The bulbophyllums comprise a huge genus of upwards of 1,000 species, among which can be found some of the most extraordinary and outlandish flowers. The plants are extremely variable, ranging in size from tiny plants with little rounded, pea-size pseudobulbs (such as Bulbophyllum roxburgliii) to the giants such as B. Jletcherianunt, whose ungainly flowers resemble the gaping mouths of baby birds. This plant has leaves that hang down over 30cm (12in), resembling the old-fashioned razor strops. In between are literally hundreds of species and a very few hybrids, all with amazing flowers.
The monopodial plants vary in size, and, of the 200 or so species, many can be found in cultivation. Among the smallest is Angraecum distichum, a dwarf plant with plaited (braided), herringbonelike foliage, whose oval leaves overlap along a curving rhizome, which rarely exceeds 15cm (Gin) in length. The minute flowers (5mm/Yin wide) are produced singly all over the plant, to resemble stars in a night sky. The giants of the genus include the magnificent A. sesquipedale.
Typically, the plants produce coneshaped, yellowish to green pseudobulbs with a single, wide, ribbed leaf. The flowers are produced on short flower spikes that huddle below the foliage, bearing two or more flowers. These orchids do well In a mixed collection, being easily accommodated among other plants.
When they are large enough, the plants can be divided into smaller pieces, provided there is a new growth on each division. Alternatively, new plants can be grown from the backbulbs that are removed from the main plant at repotting time.
Temperature is cool-growing. Cultivation: Grow in 10cm (4in) pots in a fine bark compost (growing medium) in good light. Water and apply feed regularly during the summer growing season. The foliage can be lightly sprayed in summer while the plants are out of flower. Allow the plants to dry out while resting in winter. Water should be given during this time only if the plants shrivel. Height is 30cm (12in).
The comet orchid from Madagascar is so called because of its extraordinarily long spur. The waxy, ivory-white flower is 15cm (6 in) across, and the plant will grow to over 30cm (12in). Several flowers can be carried on one spike and appear in winter.
Bulbophylluni barbigerum are tantalizing 1cm (hin) dark red flowers have a movable lip that is adomed with bristling hairs. The slightest movement causes them to wave in a way that is likely to attract a pollinator. The plant will remain in bloom for months.
The monopodial plants vary in size, and, of the 200 or so species, many can be found in cultivation. Among the smallest is Angraecum distichum, a dwarf plant with plaited (braided), herringbonelike foliage, whose oval leaves overlap along a curving rhizome, which rarely exceeds 15cm (Gin) in length. The minute flowers (5mm/Yin wide) are produced singly all over the plant, to resemble stars in a night sky. The giants of the genus include the magnificent A. sesquipedale.
Typically, the plants produce coneshaped, yellowish to green pseudobulbs with a single, wide, ribbed leaf. The flowers are produced on short flower spikes that huddle below the foliage, bearing two or more flowers. These orchids do well In a mixed collection, being easily accommodated among other plants.
When they are large enough, the plants can be divided into smaller pieces, provided there is a new growth on each division. Alternatively, new plants can be grown from the backbulbs that are removed from the main plant at repotting time.
Temperature is cool-growing. Cultivation: Grow in 10cm (4in) pots in a fine bark compost (growing medium) in good light. Water and apply feed regularly during the summer growing season. The foliage can be lightly sprayed in summer while the plants are out of flower. Allow the plants to dry out while resting in winter. Water should be given during this time only if the plants shrivel. Height is 30cm (12in).
The comet orchid from Madagascar is so called because of its extraordinarily long spur. The waxy, ivory-white flower is 15cm (6 in) across, and the plant will grow to over 30cm (12in). Several flowers can be carried on one spike and appear in winter.
Bulbophylluni barbigerum are tantalizing 1cm (hin) dark red flowers have a movable lip that is adomed with bristling hairs. The slightest movement causes them to wave in a way that is likely to attract a pollinator. The plant will remain in bloom for months.
No comments:
Post a Comment