Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
Submitted by bernabu on Wed, 12/03/2008 - 01:00
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
Borneo, Mt Kinablu at 1200m altitude. Lovely flowers. You may think that I am mad, but I enjoyed this plant for a while, then I swapped it for several Bulbophyllum species six years ago.
bernabu
mad? i think not
Given your amazing collection of Bulbophyllums I can (sort of) understand giving up a plant like this Bernard. Personally I would have found it difficult to give it up especially once it had flowered.
I guess it makes sense to specialize in plants which all like the same treatment and Paphs and Bulbos are not a real good fit together. I tend to just chuck them all in together and hope for the best...mind you I try to create microclimates in my growing area.
I do lose a few in this way though!
Regards wellsy
Bulophyllum cultivation
wellsy, I agree with your thoughts in general on Bulbophyllum cultivation requirements. The most difficult species (for me)to grow and flower are the Madagascan bulbo's. Also requiring extra attention to their requirements are the deciduous species. Then there are the S.American species, which again can be difficult, but then, if it was too easy would it be worth it- and what about the 'sense of acheivement'?
bernabu
Oooohh....deciduous species
Oooohh....deciduous species Bernard...excuse my ignorance but what are these and where do they come from.
I am very into deciduous terrestrials so I reckon I might do allright with these ones.
Regards wellsy
deciduous
There are quite a few deciduous Bulbophyllums over a large range of S E Asia, which have adapted to survive an extended dry period. Many have two leaves which help to build food reserves during the short growing periods. Some of these species like Bulbophyllum reichenbachii sec Pleiophylus from Burma have only one leaf and pseudobulbs which, towards the end of the dry period are hardly recognizable as plant material. They stay in this dormant stage often in full sun in searing heat. Not dissimilar to Dendrobium nobile which needs the sun to ripen the bulbs to initiate the flowers. I will post a picture of the bulbs of B.reichenbachii and a plant in flower of B.muscarirubrum from N.Thailand of which the bulbs (which have two leaves) are somewhat more robust.
Regards, bernabu
can't wait!!!!
Regards wellsy