Bulbophyllum refractilingue
Also known as: The Abruptly Back Curved Lip Bulbophyllum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
General Information
The Abruptly Back Curved Lip Bulbophyllum is a sympodial hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 0.25-20cm. Each new growth has a single elliptic leaf that grows to 1.5-17cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.4-3cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as mossy
Substrate(s)
- Coarse
- Medium
- Fine
- Bark
- Spaghnum Moss
- Perlite
- IsFragrant
Climate
Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 175mm to 688mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in July. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 20C to 31C, highest in August (21C to 31C) and lowest in January (20C to 29C).
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.Potting
Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.
This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted to Stone slabs. Repotting is best done annually.