Bulbophyllum fletcherianum
Submitted by wellsy on Tue, 01/01/2008 - 11:44
Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Rolfe Orchid Rev. 22: 164 (1911).
Distribution: New Guinea
Bulbophyllum fletcherianum is a spectacular, huge leafed species. Each leaf can grow to 1.8 metre (6 feet) long from a pseudobulb the size of an orange or grapefruit.
A native of the river ravine rock faces of New Guinea, it is allied to the other large species like B. phalaenopsis and B. macrobulbon. This species requires a basket or shallow tray with a rich media that will stay damp but not wet. It will also grow on a large treefern slab with extra water. This may help accommodate the pendulous leaves to display them to best effect. When in active growth, the plant requires maximum water and fertiliser and must always be given warm conditions.
Fletcherianum
Wellsy, I love this species and have only seen it in the wild. When I first saw it unflowered, I could not conceive it would be a bulbophyllum due too its size. I have a relative - to this one, B. phalaenopsis, growing in the glasshouse. Love the images.
Cheers John
one up on me
You are one up on me....I have unfortunately only seen it in captivity. To see it in the wild would be amazing John.
Regards wellsy