Florida Orchid House Talks Bulbophyllum With Tampa Orchid Club
Tampa Orchid Club members and attendees at the June 2024 monthly meeting enjoyed a delightful presentation on Bulbophyllum from the always lovely, Ti and Henry Duong from Florida Orchid House. Ti and Henry specialize in growing large leaved bulbos and SE Asian and Vietnamese orchids. This wonderful couple brought many gorgeous orchids and lots of great information about caring for them. Thank you again to Ti and Henry for sharing such a great presentation with the Tampa Orchid Club.
Connect With Florida Orchid House
To learn more, or connect with Ti and Henry further please check them out at their Florida Orchid House website here or follow them on Facebook here.
Bulbophyllum - A Quick Glance Of What We Learned
Bulbos have fleshy leaves on bulky bulbs with rhizomes that come in a variety of lengths. Because new growth comes from the base of the rhizome, it is best to pot Bulbos with short rhizomes, and better to mount long-rhizomed Bulbos to give the rhizomes free range. Â
The Bulbophyllum's column has an extension called a column foot (a hinge on a stopper) that allows a bit of lip wiggle.  This wiggle, along with scent and nectar, attract pollinators, whose weight pulls the lip down. The hinge then springs back and traps the insect as it rubs against pollen which collects on its back. When it escapes, it repeats the entrapment on another bloom, and transfers the pollen. Such a clever way to reproduce!
Bulbos originate from from low, warm, bright regions of the planet. With over 2000 species, some native to Florida, Bulbophyllum is the largest genus in the Orchidaceae family. Bulbophyllum phalaenopses become giant plants and have very long green leathery leaves. Their flowers smell like rotting meat to attract their main pollinator, the fly. Even the flower's coloring looks like a dead rat, and the yellow spots look like larvae, appealing especially when vibrating in the wind.
Bulbos Care Tips:
Tips for caring for Bulbos are similar to growing tips for most orchids.
Imitate conditions of the original habitat.
Best to grow facing East, worst is Western exposure.
Bulbos grow year-round, but if temperature falls below 55º, reduce watering. Â
Let them dry out if cold air is in the forecast.  40º is risky, but probably tolerable.
Start watering again when there is new growth. Â
Test optimal light conditions by looking at your shadow in the growing area; it should be defined, but not sharp-edged.
If you only have full sun, use a 50% white shade cloth.
Re-pot when new roots appear, any warm month until August in Florida.
Use potting material that matches your watering habits.
June Bloom Table
Congratulations to Darwin Breu for his Judge's Choice win with his Stanhopea wardii and Bob Munsch for winning Member's Choice with a beautiful and unique Den. Samarai. The entire June Bloom Table is available to view here until it is updated with the next meetings submissions. Or check out all of our 2024 Judge's and Member's Choice Winner Gallery here.
Join Us In July For Our Field Trip
We will be taking a field trip for our July meeting. Join us for an outing to Palmer Orchids in Bradenton, FL. We'll learn, shop, and socialize. There will be a van available for transportation or you are welcome to drive or carpool. See field trip details here for van RSVP and schedule.
Save The Date - TOC Orchid Expo
More details will be coming soon, but save the date for October 5th & 6th for our 2024 Orchid Expo. We are currently in need of volunteers and sponsors. To learn more please contact Cheryl Crilly at (813) 244-7564 or cents4me@aol.com
Learn more about TOC Expo here or view flyer below.
