According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an adaptive blade lubrication apparatus that includes a lubricant unit to place a lubrication stripe of lubricating material on a portion of a main surface; a cleaning blade that engages the main surface to remove excess toner thereon; and a controller configured to control the location of each lubrication stripe of lubricating material, wherein the controller places the lubricating material based on at least one of application frequency, blade lubrication state, blade engagement with the main surface. By varying the location of the lubrication stripe, the cleaning blade is better lubricated over the entire surface of the photoreceptor with the same or less lubricant than used in single location lubrication. Blade life and reliability are improved with more effective lubrication of the blade.