Long-flowered Bulbophyllum
bulbophyllum longiflorum
Also known as: ["Long-flowered Bulbophyllum"]
Overview
An epiphytic orchid species native to Southeast Asia, known for its unusually long and pendulous flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Bulbophyllum |
| Botanical Name: | Bulbophyllum longiflorum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light, or shaded outdoor setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–28°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"11–13"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Orchid bark mix with perlite and charcoal for aeration and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or when deadheading is required.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing non-productive parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in summer to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; avoid direct sun; provide filtered light for indoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade, dappled light
Use sheer curtains for protection; rotate plant for even light exposure; monitor for signs of scorching.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage; water early in the day to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite
pH: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5).
Ensure medium is well-aerated, avoid compacted soil, maintain moisture without saturation.
Temperature
Ideal range 18–27°C (64–80°F); cooler nights (15–18°C) may encourage blooming; avoid extremes.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain stable conditions.
Fertilizing
every 2 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize after watering; flush periodically to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Division of pseudobulbs or rhizome cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate healthy pseudobulbs, ensure each division has roots, pot in fresh medium, maintain high humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Fine orchid bark mix or sphagnum moss with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone may aid rhizome cuttings.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife, sterilized shears, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Ensure divisions have roots, maintain humidity, avoid overwatering, provide warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip flower spikes at the base; trim dead leaves or stems just above a node.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes and dead or damaged growth to encourage new blooms and maintain health.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears, sharp scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, remove dead parts, make clean cuts, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, just before the active growth phase begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by one inch in diameter; ensure it’s not excessively large.
Method
Remove old medium, trim dead roots, repot in fresh orchid mix with good drainage, position pseudobulbs above the medium level.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when medium decomposes; necessary for root-bound plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh medium, ensure drainage, position correctly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid foliage wetting, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the root zone, allowing water to saturate the medium but not pool; ensure excess drains freely; avoid wetting foliage to prevent rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth (spring/summer); reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate orchid bark for aeration; use charcoal to absorb impurities.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, bud drop, stunted growth, or leaf spotting.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, reduces nutrient uptake, and may cause root damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; maintain consistent temperatures.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf scorch, dehydration, and reduced flowering.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, fertilize during growth, flush periodically, adjust for season.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced orchid fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth; suspend in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBulbophyllum longiflorum is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBulbophyllum longiflorum is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBulbophyllum longiflorum is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. The plant is generally considered safe for handling and consumption, though no specific studies have been conducted to confirm its complete non-toxicity.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Bulbophyllum longiflorum?
A: Water every 7-10 days, allowing the medium to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does this orchid require special lighting?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light, similar to other epiphytic orchids.
Q: Can Bulbophyllum longiflorum be grown outdoors?
A: It is best suited for indoor cultivation in temperate climates, though it can be grown outdoors in warm, humid environments.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade, dappled light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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