Bulbophyllum patella

Also known as: The Small Pan Bulbophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

General Information

The Small Pan Bulbophyllum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 0.18-0.6cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic leaf that grows to 0.3-8cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-1.7cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 51mm to 272mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 67% to 74%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 23C, highest in April (13C to 23C) and lowest in January (11C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant.

Potting

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.