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Bulbophyllum picturatum - Care Sheet
Bulbophyllum picturatum
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Bulbophyllum
Species: Picturatum
Cultivars: None.
Common names: None.
Difficulty: Medium to high
Description: This orchid is grown for its unique and beautiful flowers. It has pink, yellow, or red flowers that grow in a half circle. They have a sweet yet salty scent. The plant is epiphytic and thus has no need to be planted in soil. It can be a fun and funky plant to mount on sticks or bark. It has a clumping outward growth that seems to have no rhyme or reason, kind of like my hair in the morning!
Mature size: This orchid does not get very large. It gets about 1 foot wide and 6 inches tall. The flowers are roughly 3 inches across.
Light:Bright and indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight. This plant grows up trees, so think bright, but dappled shade. A east or south facing window is ideal. We grow ours exclusively under grow lights.
Water:As an epiphyte, this plant needs high humidity and regular misting for its watering needs. The soil is only there to aid in higher humidity levels.
Temperature:Ideal between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity:This tropical plant will require additional humidity than most people’s homes will provide. Use a humidifier, greenhouse cabinet, or in a vivarium (our preferred method).
Soil:Orchid bark or sphagnum moss is an ideal substrate. This plant technically doesn’t need a pot and can be placed on bark or a moss pole directly, which is our preferred method.
Nutrition:Fertilize monthly during growing season typically May-October. Fertilizer should be an epiphytic orchid specific mix. Make sure if used in vivariums that you use something organic, like the Plant Food from Variegated Vibes.
Repotting: This plant will only require repotting if there is something wrong, that is if you are even using a pot. Repotting preventatively may cause more harm than good and is not advised.
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Non-poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats. This plant is being researched for medicinal purposes for its unique anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and other properties as a cancer treatment!
Native to: Thailand
Companion Animals: This plant is perfect for so many animal cages!!! Tie it up to cork bark with a little moss and put in and small subtropical animal cage! This is out number one choice for Crested Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos, and other New Caledonian Geckos! The plant should need no additional care in these cages as they replicate the natural environment of this orchid!
Vanilla planifolia - Care Sheet
Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla Orchid
Family:Orchidaceae
Genus:Vanilla
Species: Planifolia
Cultivars:Normal, variegated.
Common names:Vanilla Orchid, Vanilla Plant.
Difficulty:Medium to high
Description:The orchid that is grown to eat! This plant produces beans that are vanilla! It is a true epiphyte, or grows out of soil. It grows up the sides of tree. It has thick waxy leaves with a thick vine that, once established, can grow several feet per year! It has yellow trumpeting flowers resembling a daffodil, however, this plant only flowers for 1 day at a time. That is the only chance to pollinate and try to get the prized beans. The vanilla bean is the second most expensive spice on the planet, right behind saffron. It is unlikely to get it to flowering and produce fruit indoors, but such a fun plant to have in your collection!
Mature size: This beast of an orchid can get up to 30 feet long! But, indoors, it is manageable typically only reaching 6 feet within a couple years. When properly cared for, expect up to 2 feet of growth per year.
Light:Bright and indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight. This plant grows up trees, so think bright, but dappled shade. A east or south facing window is ideal. We grow ours exclusively under grow lights.
Water:As an epiphyte, this plant needs high humidity and regular misting for its watering needs. The soil is only there to aid in higher humidity levels.
Temperature:Ideal between 60-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.
Humidity:This tropical plant will require additional humidity than most people’s homes will provide. Use a humidifier, greenhouse cabinet, or in a vivarium (our preferred method).
Soil:Orchid bark or sphagnum moss is an ideal substrate. This plant technically doesn’t need a pot and can be placed on bark or a moss pole directly, which is our preferred method.
Nutrition:Fertilize monthly during growing season typically May-October. Fertilizer should be an epiphytic orchid specific mix. Make sure if used in vivariums that you use something organic, like the Plant Food from Variegated Vibes.
Repotting: This plant will only require repotting if there is something wrong, that is if you are even using a pot. Repotting preventatively may cause more harm than good and is not advised.
Toxicity: Lightly toxic to the most sensitive humans causing light itching if touching the sap directly. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Non-poisonous to humans, dogs, and cats.
Native to: Madagascar
Companion Animals: This plant is perfect for so many animal cages!!! Tie it up to cork bark with a little moss and put in and small subtropical animal cage! This is out number one choice for Crested Geckos, Gargoyle Geckos, and other New Caledonian Geckos! The plant should need no additional care in these cages as they replicate the natural environment of this orchid!