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Bulbophyllum

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by Clif333, Aug 2, 2017.

  1. Aug 2, 2017 #1
    Clif333

    Clif333 Orchid Wahine

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    I recently inherited some Bulbophyllum frostii, Bulb. Macrobulbon, and Bulb. dearei x lobii. I live in a subtropical warm and moist climate off the southeast coast of the US. How much light and moisture does a typical bulbophyllum need? I am having a hard time finding growing information about them. I am a hobby orchid grower, so I have a greenhouse and materials, but don't know much about this particular species. Thank you.
     
  2. Aug 2, 2017 #2
    carl

    carl Active Member

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    Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia is a good starting point for your research.

    Also, if you aren't sure, you should start them off shady, and keep [slowly] increasing the amount of light they get until they are blooming well. Takes time...
     
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  3. Aug 2, 2017 #3
    Ricardo

    Ricardo Slave of demanding bird

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  4. Aug 2, 2017 #4
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Clif, welcome to the forum.

    The plants you mentioned can tolerate fairly bright light (like under 50% shade cloth or brighter) or shadier but Carl gave good advice. Unless you know the conditions these were grown in it is best to start shady and gradually increase the light to acclimate them to your conditions.

    As for moisture, are yours potted, mounted or in baskets? If mounted, provide daily water. If in a pot or basket let them get dry or almost dry between watering.
     
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  5. Aug 3, 2017 #5
    Clif333

    Clif333 Orchid Wahine

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    Thank you. I had them under a shaded pergola, bright light, but it was too hot, not enough moisture, so I moved them under my porch with morning light and cooler. They have perked up in just one day there. It is more than a hobby, more like a passion! Thanks again!
     
  6. Aug 3, 2017 #6
    Clif333

    Clif333 Orchid Wahine

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    One is in a basket made of blackish fern, one is mounted on the same material, and one is in a terra cotta pot. I took the one mounted and very carefully unwrapped the wire from the mount, disturbing zero roots or plant, just took the whole sphagnum plant mass off and put it in a pot to hold more water. I understand they don't like to be repotted, so I was super careful. I took them from under my covered pergola (too much heat) and moved all 3 to my back porch, where they get morning dappled sun and they have already perked up a lot. The pseudobulbs are now puffed up with a good watering and less heat/light. I will let the potted ones dry before watering again. How about misting them? Would that be okay a little between watering? Thank you so much!
     
  7. Aug 3, 2017 #7
    Clif333

    Clif333 Orchid Wahine

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    I will check that out. Any time I can learn from someone else, I take the opportunity! Thanks Ricardo!
     
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  8. Aug 4, 2017 #8
    seidenfaden

    seidenfaden Well-Known Member

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    For me B.frostii grows better mounted and placed in medium bright light (you can't over-water mounted plants). The B.macrobulbum, I grow in a basket (see the pictures I posted here several days ago) this species likes high light up near the top of the greenhouse in fact the thick leaves can turn reddish and not suffer. When you have new growth appearing give plenty of water and feed. Your dearei x lobbii hybrid named 'Wilmar Galaxy Star' will also grow quite well in a largish basket - this cross is a rambler, an open compost with good drainage suits it well.
    Hope this helps.
     
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  9. Aug 6, 2017 #9
    Clif333

    Clif333 Orchid Wahine

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    That helps me a lot. Thank you so very much. I really don't want to mess up on these orchids, so your information is taken with great appreciation. I will go and look at your pics too. Thanks again!!