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Hi ! Welcome to my blog on orchids and landscape design. I have been growing various type of orchids along the balcony of my high-rise apartment since 2004. My favorite orchid genus of all times are Bulbophyllum, Onicidium as well as Cattleya alliances. I love bulbophyllum for their exotic form and intricate 'movable lip'. Although I have been growing orchids with little success, due to the lack of sufficient sunlight and low humidity, as well as strong wind which prevail at my growing area, I still try to find the right types of orchids for my flat through trial and error. Occassionally, my orchids have surprised me with unexpected bloom that would make my day! Beside orchids, I also enjoyed strolling in public gardens and parks, and at the same time looking at the landscape design intent. In my blog, I'll be sharing with you, photographs of orchids that I adore and as well as interesting parks that I have ventured. I hope you will enjoy these photos too and please feel free to leave some comments or thoughts. Thank you for viewing my photo blog.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Bulbophyllum contortisepalum

Bulbophyllum contortisepalum
J.J.SM. 1912 
Section: Hoplandra

Geographic Distribution: Papua New Guinea.
Elevation/ Temperature: sea level- 1000 m lowland/ hot growing species.
Plant Type: epiphytic.
Growing Habit: sympodial
Cultivation Treatment: mounted.
Flowering Month(s) in Singapore: November, January.
Flowering Period: around 3 days.
Flower Colour: bright yellow with red venation at sepal.
Flower Scent: not scented.
Flower Count: single flower per inflorescence.
The slender sepals of small sized bulbophyllum are twisted together and hence the common name 'The Twisted Sepals Bulbophyllum'. The orchid (inclusive of the pseudobulb and leaf) measures about 4 - 5 cm high. The flower is carried above the leaf by a 10.5 cm long slender spike.


The plant's first spiking occurred November 2011, however the flower bud was bursted due to the extreme hot weather. In view of this, during the plant's second flowering in January 2012, I have tried to mist the orchid twice daily (once in the morning and evening) to increase the humidity at the planting area. 


This time round, the flower have bloomed successfully.



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4 comments:

  1. Kathy SFebruary 8, 2012 at 4:06 AM

    I just found your blog and am hopeful you may have some advice for me. From your pictures, you are a very successful grower or have access to gorgeous ones. I have a Dancing Lady Oncidium. I am fairly new to orchid growing. The bulbs that the leaves grow from (pseudobulbs?) have shriveled. How did this happen and how do I correct it? The leaves are very healthy. I repotted it today and the roots seem fine (very little dried ones.) Thanks for your response, Kathy S., NJ. joyfulme2@hotmail.com

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    Replies
    1. cyber-ragaFebruary 22, 2012 at 10:34 AM

      Hi Kathy S,

      If the shrivelled pseudobulb is the old backbulb, then I think it's natural. However if the bulb is the recent new bulb, then perhaps you may want to increase the humidity at your growing area, by adding a layer of sphag moss as top dressing on top of your growing medium. Water when the medium is dry.

      I hope my opinion helps. Thanks.

      Delete
  2. UnknownFebruary 22, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    Bulbophyllum contortisepalum seems to be a continuous flowerer throughout the year. I have successfully bloomed them successfully from November 2011 till now.

    The red version seems to be more shy from flowering as compared to the yellow form.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cyber-ragaFebruary 22, 2012 at 10:39 AM

      Hi Vincent,

      Thanks for your comment. I only managed to flower successfully once. Glad to know that this yellow form of this species is a frequent bloomer. Red form is nice too.

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