Bulbophyllum scaberulum

March 10, 2021

Bulbophyllum scaberulum



Bulbophyllum scaberulum
Photographer: John Varigos

A widespread African species found in most of the countries of central and South Africa. It is a creeping epiphytic or occasionally lithophytic and found at 100 to 1800 meters (350 to 5,900 feet). The plants usually grow in riverside forests. It has many flowers per inflorescence and the flowers are fleshy and do not open fully. The plant is usually about 37 cm (15 inches) tall.

Progeny: None

Awards: Four AOS awards:
Two CBRS, one HCC, and on Certificate of Cultural Merit when it 110 flowers and 20 buds on 130 inflorescences. It was last awarded in 2016.

Culture: Charles Baker (www.orchidculture.com)
Light: Light should be filtered or diffused, with strong air movement at all times. The species seems to require less light than most other bulbophyllums.

 

Temperatures: Daytime: average 24 to 26°C (76 to 78°F) and Night: 15 to 17°C (50 to 62°F). Because of the range in distribution and habitat elevation, the plants may adapt to temperatures as much as 10°F warmer or cooler.
Humidity: 80%. Do not allow to dry out completely. Growing conditions should be maintained throughout the year. Water may be reduced somewhat in the winter and again in late summer and early autumn.

 

Fertilizer: ¼ to ½ recommended strength applied weekly when plants are actively growing.

Plants may be mounted with a pad of sphagnum moss under the pseudobulb to hold a little additional moisture. If potted, grow in very shallow pots or baskets using an open, fast-draining medium. Plants may sometimes sulk for a year of so after being divided or repotted, so only repot when necessary. It is best to repot when a flush of new root growth is just starting.

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