Cool growing Bulbophyllum species?

[Exo]

I've been on the lookout for cool growing species of Bulbophyllum, particularly ones native to the cloud forests of Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philipines, but it's been hard to even make a wishlist, since most seem to be either very rare in cultivation...or are simply hard to find listed anywhere at all. Can anyone name some cool growers from these regions that are found in cultivation? Thanks.

[pavel]

Most are warm growers, as you probably already know. If you haven't already done so, skimming through Jay Pahl's internet encyclopedia may prove useful. Now whether you can also find a vendor that carries them .......

Jay's Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia Bulb - Bz

There are some cool growers like
Bulbophyllum alticola
Bulbophyllum calviventer
Bulbophyllum gadgarrense

[Exo]

Thanks!...yeah..I use that site religeously...finding the ones that he lists that fit my criteria --- in cultivation at all can be a challenge though.

[opaline]

Hi Mark! wish i could recall the source of information that I have generally abided by with bulbo after having many that stood still in time with no progress at all. Considering the acclimatizing variables of time periods with diff. varied orchids i was able to re approach their cultivation in my care. Have found bulbos to be very stubborn and with the awareness of variants in temp requirements very few seemed to thrive whatever their origin.

Obviously opened to scrutiny as to whether coincidence or circumstantial but a change in arrangement of grow area meant many b'os were allocated a lower position on the vertical gardens and mounts i.e cooler. Roughly been 3-4 months since change and light exposure remained static (hence in UK, shorter photoperiods only just commening time increase of day) and all plants are supplemented with same artificial light tubes with little variants in distance. Some of these have done nothing for 12 - 14 months and most factors in culture rarely change exc. a new systemic fungicide program.

Room for argument I know, but i only follow some general rules/ guidence of care throughout. My temp range (in controlled enviro) 16/18 oc - 25/ 26 oc day night av. Still water lovers but lower down in cooler more airy situ. This applies to 10 - 12 random communal mounted bulbos purchased europe + thai/malaysia.

Any idea on temp range for your 'cool' grow area.? Our cool growing natives Dacts, cyripdums (uk/ EU) certainly cool -5 oc - 14 oc av. and While requiring careful pre thought actionplan on customised, compromised and improvised methods to accomodate desired species. note orchids are tough and do adapt gradually and many enviro controllled aparatus available. I have massies, restrepia aswell as catts, vandaceuos, peristeria, catasetinae and others with highland and lowland nepenthes. Cyms and phals have rebloomed in my care and require cool nights dry or wet. In my book wetter means warmer while decrease in temps means slightly drier. But then im just stubborn.

[Exo]

The temperatures in my highland chamber are .... Winter: 73F day and 50F night...Summer: 78F day and 65F night. Humidity levels are typically 73% day and 80% night. Light levels are rather intense, but plants are moved about into areas of the chamber with light intensity that best suits them.

A pic of my HL chamber for reference, I grow many species of highland carnivores in here, as well as a few orchids.

[opaline]

an inspiring set up Mark, a man after my own heart. All credit to you with the mini eco system of co existing species.I love it! The amazing thing here i always find is the unwritten laws and the concept of time and attention that is demanded that go unrealised. After summarising my last post i failed to specifically point out initially that, after waffling on, that while you seek bulbos of said origins of a cooler 'cloud forest' climate some warmer species will adapt/ acclimatize to the conditions you provide and my post was supposed to indicate that the bulbos i have, some dozen or so did not respond to their 'technically' advised cultivation advice re warmer temp and happened to respond quickly and better as their situ was altered regardless of 'rules'. Temp grade lowered to minimum of my gradient due to adjustment of height location in controlled grow area. The light availability had little change due to grow area design.

While I understand your desire to acquire such sp. maybe down to your hobby politics/ specifics, from the opinion of a grower who admittedly kills orchids by pot culture only (and a recent tough lesson in a lacking systemic fungicide regime) I regularly ignore care labels and adhere to mounted culture religiously, i certainly find great versatality in orchids demands temp and moisture wise and this increases greatly with indulgence in hybrids. Safe to say as a whole my plant mortality rate has decreased substantially even with a few learning curves the hard way. I will happily admit one major FLAW with my attitude/ approach to plant culture though and it is primarily a 'science' orientated one and it lyes with sp. of Catasetinae. A love affair postponed and not applicable to the communal co existing ecosystem that I specialise in as you do.

[Exo]

So the rule is....there are no rules..only guidlines?

Facinating....so I'm assuming that Bulbophyllums listed as "intermediate" could prolly be adapted to cool temps such as mine. (as opposed to the warm to hot growing ones)

[pavel]

I often bypass intermediate growers, in general, because so many of them seem to prefer the cooler side of intermediate rather than the warmth. Therefore, I would say that yes, Mark, I would not be surprised if many of the intermediates would adapt to your conditions.

[walingwaling]

I often bypass intermediate growers, in general, because so many of them seem to prefer the cooler side of intermediate rather than the warmth. Therefore, I would say that yes, Mark, I would not be surprised if many of the intermediates would adapt to your conditions.

Nicely said and i second that!
Perhaps you should find vendors first and then choose the intermediate/cooler growing Bulbos.
Im sure its not that easy to find those, so good luck with it!

[opaline]

Yes! Absolutely! That was my point iniatially if somewhat lost the first time. After seeing your HL chamber and in response of your primary thread desire I thought this man may have been mandatory adhered to cultivation rules that are not necessarily black or white if infact far from it and certainly would appreciate a window open that opens a bigger accomodating picture! Pavel is a star, sharing a likeminded interest in herpatology and 'orchidology' pardon the poor attempted slang, lets just say the natural world. He sums it up beautifully, thankfully! Accept no limitations. Those intermed. bulbos have just as much chance in adding some sugar and spice to your collection as any other sp., inorder to extend your enquiries with a view to a hopefully better outcome with less restrictions.

The simple addition of one of those golf ball sized ultrasonic foggers that sit in 5 -6 cms of water (for example only!), suspended a top some stratovolcano shaped upturned vase can add a considerable amount of diversity to many factors. I wouldnt advise anyone to disregard cultivation/science - advice/suggestions, that would just undermine the true meaning of what we are doing, but it does tend to push people into a corner on occassion.