Bulbophyllum guttulatum is also called The Small Spotted Bulbophyllum.
Synonyms:
Cirrhopetalum guttulatum
Phyllorchis guttulata
It is a species of the genus Bulbophyllum. This species was described by N.P. Balakr. in 1970.
Bulbophyllum guttulatum occurs in the Himalayas, Myanmar and Vietnam, where it grows epiphytic on trees at an altitude of 1000 to 2600 meters above sea level. It is a small sized, warm to cold growing epiphyte. The Bulbophyllum guttulatum blooms in the summer and fall with a few flowers held just above the leaves. The flowers are from pale yellow to pale green, densely covered with purple stains, about 2-3 cm in diameter.
Light:
Bulbophyllum guttulatum is grow in bright scattered light. South windows are considered to be the ideal location, however, if there are none in the apartment, you can use western or very bright northern windows. If the western or southern windows were chosen for the location of the plant, then during the period from May to early September, the orchid should be protected from the influence of too bright day and evening sun - put behind a curtain (for example, on a table near a window) or into the shade of other plants.
Temperature:
This type of orchid refers to a warm temperature regime, and throughout the year the plant is recommended to grow under the following temperature conditions: Day temperature at 20-35°C, night temperature is not below 13°C. For the successful cultivation at home, it is necessary that the night temperature is always at least 3-4°C lower than the daytime temperature.
Humidity:
The Bulbophyllum guttulatum needs relatively high humidity, not less than 60%, ideally 70-80%. Too dry air negatively affects the development of the plant and its growth is inhibited.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Bulbophyllum guttulatum is grow in plastic or clay pots. The substrate must be very well breathable, therefore the mixture of the bark of coniferous trees with charcoal and sphagnum moss (20-25%) is best. When growing orchids on blocks to prevent rapid drying of the root system of the plant, it is recommended to make a small interlayer of moss between it and the block. Above the roots, you can also put live or dry sphagnum.
Repotting is desirable only in cases of strong compaction of the substrate, at its critically high or low pH (above 6.5) or when the plant grows out of its pot. The best time to transplant is the time when new orchid sprouts begin to build up their own roots.
Watering:
Watering this kind of orchids directly depends on the total temperature of the content, the higher it is, the more often and abundant it will be necessary to water. Plants growing on blocks should be watered daily in the morning, so that by evening the roots of the orchids could dry out relatively well. When watering orchids in pots, it is necessary to remember that excess water during watering should flow freely out of the pot, as the stagnation of water both inside the pot and in its pallet can very quickly lead to rotting of the roots and the lower part of the plant. The substratum between the irrigations should dry relatively well, but do not dry out completely, i.e. always be in a slightly moistened state.
Fertilizer:
During the new growth period, this type of orchids is fertilized every 2-3 weeks in 1/3 of the concentration of fertilizer indicated on the package. In addition to the usual root top dressing, it is also recommended to produce a foliar dressing, when a very much diluted fertilizer is sprayed on the outer part of the plant. It is best to feed the orchid, alternating both these methods. At the beginning of the growing season (the appearance of new shoots) it is recommended to use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content, and by the time when new shoots reach 1/2 of their normal size - a fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus.
Rest period:
Bulbophyllum guttulatum does not needs a period of rest in winter. If your orchid does not show any signs of growth for more than 3-4 weeks, it is recommended to lower the overall temperature of the content, and water it as the substrate dries completely (or when the orchid is completely dry for 1-2 days).