Almost every single species of orchid requires a different care regimen. Bulbophyllum medusae is one such orchid, with its own set of unique needs. BULBOPHYLLUM MEDUSAE are generally found in the rainforest and have many adaptations to help them survive in their natural habitat.
One adaptation that makes these particular types of orchids so interesting is their ability to grow without leaves on the stem at all! In this post, we will explore some of the things you do need to know about taking care of Bulbophyllum medusae, including how they should be watered and fertilized, as well as any additional treatments needed for optimal growth.
Foliage and Stem
In the wild, Bulbophyllum Medusae typically grow without leaves on their stem. Leaves are not necessary for these orchids in order to survive so if you have a plant with leaves, it may be an indication that your plant is struggling and needs more attention than other types of plants.
If you do have a plant with leaves on it, make sure to remove them regularly as they will not be of any use and may cause problems for the orchid. If your bulbophyllum medusae has had its roots trimmed recently then this would lead to an excess amount of growth at the top which should also be removed .
Height
The height of your Bulbophyllum Medusae may also be a concern if you are growing them in pots. There is an optimal size for these orchids and they will experience stunted growth if the pot that it is planted in does not allow for enough room to grow.
Bulbophyllum medusae can get as tall as three feet, so it is important to make sure that the pot allows for this type of growth. This height can be achieved by planting them in a larger container than you would normally do with other types of orchids. You may also need to trim back your Bulbophyllum medusae every once in a while if they are growing too tall for their pot.
Temperature
The temperature of your Bulbophyllum Medusae will depend on where you live. The optimum range for the growing bulbs is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but some may require specific temperatures such as 60 to 70 degrees or 85 to 95 degrees if they are native to other countries. It is important that you figure out what type of Bulbophyllum Medusae you have before making any decisions about the temperature.
Humidity
The humidity level of your bulbophyllum medusae will also depend on where you live and the type of bulbs. You can let it go up to 60% for plants that are more adaptable, but some may require a range between 40% – 60%.
Humidity is very important because if this falls below what they need then they will dehydrate and may even die. You can tell if the Bulbophyllum Medusae is getting too dry by checking for leaves that are wilted, curling up, or dying.
In order to increase humidity levels around your plant, you should use a humidifier in your home, misting it occasionally with water from time to time or using a humidifier outside.
Flowers
The Medusae will bloom when the plant is about 14-18 years old, or after it has produced at least six inflorescences. The flowers are very delicate and can be damaged by rough handling so you should take care to avoid that as much as possible.
When they have opened up fully then you may want to cut off some of them in order for more blooms to come out. You can also fertilize your bulbs with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks during their active growth stage (March-August) in order for them to produce better quality flowers.
Bulbophyllum are mainly grown indoors because they need constant attention and maintenance since most do not live past two seasons outside due to damage from direct sunlight.
Are They Drought Resistant
No, Bulbophyllum Medusae should always be given a good amount of water. If you notice that the leaves are drooping or wilting then it’s likely due to lack of moisture and is in need for more water. It can also help them grow better if you mix some fertilizer into their soil every two weeks to make sure they get the nutrients they need to grow.
Disease, Pest and Prevention
Bulbophyllums are immune to many common plant diseases and pests, so oftentimes no pesticides are needed for them. However, if you notice yellowing on the leaves or other strange growths then it’s likely that they’re being infected by fungus or algae which can be treated using fungicides from your local garden store.
In order to stop the infection from spreading, you’ll want to use the fungicide on everything as an extra precaution.
This plant should always be given a good amount of water. If you notice that the leaves are drooping or wilting then it’s likely due to lack of moisture and is in need of more water.
When the leaves are wilting it’s a good idea to give them an extra misting of water or to place them in indirect sunlight for several hours each day so they can soak up as much natural moisture as possible and will hopefully perk back up soon.
My Bulbophyllum Medusae Are Drooping
When you notice that the Bulbophyllum is drooping, you’ll want to give them a deep enough watering in order to saturate the potting media as well as all of the roots.
If you have any questions about how much water is necessary, it’s best if you take your plant over to an experienced gardener who can help point out signs that might indicate dehydration and some basic soil moisture levels for your plant.
Growth
The Bulbophyllum Medusae grow very well in the right conditions. They require that they be provided with medium and high light levels to thrive, which is usually available in homes or offices.
If they are not getting enough sunlight, their leaves will start turning brown because of inadequate chloroplasts inside them for photosynthesis; this is the process that uses light to create food.
If there are too many plants in a limited space, they will have trouble exchanging enough carbon dioxide for oxygen and their leaves will start turning yellow as it accumulates within them.
This occurs because the air circulation becomes clogged with all of the plant’s foliage blocking any airflow from reaching the lower leaves.
Toxicity of the Bulbophyllum Medusae
The Medusae is a plant that emits purple pollen. As with other plants, it can be pollinated by insects and occasionally wind (though this does not happen very often). The toxicity of this flower to these small animals has been studied in depth; they are known to be more sensitive to it.
The plant is also toxic for humans, but not as much so as other plants with similar properties (for example the Amorphophallus titanium). It has been shown that just one touch can lead to short-term symptoms such as headaches and nausea. These effects are usually alleviated by drinking a lot of water and can be minimized by washing your hands with soap.
Dormancy
Fleshy leaves on most Bulbophyllum species curl up around themselves; this helps them remain intact in the soil.
Water Requirements
Bulbophyllum medusae can be watered as infrequently as once every six weeks. However, this doesn’t mean that you should withhold water from them for long periods of time: it’s best to do so only in the event that a plant is about to go dormant or if they are over-watered and need to dry out.
Soil Requirements
It grows best in a mix of medium-to-coarse potting soil and peat moss. It should be evenly moist with good drainage, but not soggy or dry.
Sunlight
Sunlight is a must for this plant. In its natural habitat, it grows in bright and shaded areas from coastal forests to rainforests. It needs this environment, or more importantly – sunlight – so that it can produce food through photosynthesis. If too little light reaches the plant, it will lose its leaves and eventually die.
If you’re going to be growing your MEDUSAE in a home, provide as much sunlight as possible. If it is placed near windows that get ample amounts of light throughout the day, this should suffice. Be mindful of any obstructions or curtains blocking out the sun.
If the plant is relocated to a shadier environment, it will require more water and fertilizer in order to sustain itself. The leaves might turn yellow or brown from lack of nutrients. If this happens, reduce watering times and increase fertilizing levels until you can get back into a bright area again.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is crucial to the health of any plant. Bulbophyllum Medusae are sensitive plants, so it’s important that they be given a fertilizer with multiple nutrients and low levels of nitrogen as well as phosphorus. Fertilizers made for cacti would work best for this type of plant – though some people use a general-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Fertilizers are applied at the beginning of each new growth period, which is usually once or twice per year for most Bulbophyllum Medusae plants. They’re watered in until water runs out the bottom of the pot and then it’s time to apply fertilizers.
The best time for fertilizing the Medusae is during the early stages of new growth. This will help promote healthy, vigorous root systems that give shoots a better chance at becoming strong and well-developed. Fertilizers are applied once or twice each year to encourage full flowering potential in heavily blooming species.
Repotting
The Medusa species appreciates a well-draining potting mix. A typical orchid mix is usually suitable for this type of plant, but be careful to avoid fertilizer that has any high nitrogen content as it can cause the plant to produce more foliage and fewer blooms.
This type of plant should be repotted into a slightly larger pot every year or two. This will help the plant produce more blooms by giving it extra room to grow. Repotting also helps maintain vigor and keeps the bulbophyllum medusae from becoming root-bound, which can lead to a decline in health and vigor.
Pruning and Grooming
Bulbophyllum Medusae are easy to prune. This type of plant can be sheared or shaped into a bonsai by removing the outer leaves, and/or cutting back on those that have gotten too long. Bulbophyllum Medusae require regular grooming as well which is needed for keeping it healthy and attractive.
Propagation
The Medusae are extremely easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated from seeds, offsets (pups), or by division of the rhizome.
The best way to divide this plant is using scissors and cutting it near the ground level. When propagating Bulbophyllum Medusae from seeds, the plant will take up to 18 months before it starts to form roots and shoots.
The quickest way is by dividing a bulb in spring or early summer which can be accomplished with scissors. This technique also has the benefit of producing two new plants instead of just one so it is a great way to increase your collection.
They are easy to propagate but they require more care than other orchids because of their thin and delicate leaves. The best time for propagation is in the spring when new growth starts forming on the plant. The easiest way to do this, apart from using scissors, is to gently pull the plant out from the pot and cut it near the ground level.
Conclusion
Bulbophyllum Medusae plants look like a chandelier in the living room! These plants are epiphytic orchids that look like clusters of white flowers on a green stem. It is easy to exhibit and maintain these plants because you can either place them in soil or mount them on the cork.
It is still being debated whether or not these substances are toxic. Although they may not be harmful to humans, they should be kept away from pets and children for their own safety. People may find the smell of a Bulbophyllum Medusa rather unsettling, so the decision largely depends on the individual, depending on his or her personal taste.
