Bulbophyllum's not blooming - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 07-02-2012, 09:42 PM

I've had these for about 2 to 4 years now and nada. I water and keep them moist. Those that are mounted I water 2 to 3 times daily. I also use a 20-20-20 fertilizer for 2 weeks, off one. Any suggestions? They are sikkemenses (sp?), frostii, and the last one I forget. Please look at my list to find out. I think one is recognized as a Cirh.?

Mira-Claude · #2 07-02-2012, 10:59 PM

I really don't know what to do either it seems. I care for them all the same and two of them bloom once a year! But they are ready to unfriend me if I even ask for one new growth or root. The third one is just sprouting everything out. I don't get them!

Paul Mc · #3 07-02-2012, 11:03 PM

Someone here suggested lime and I bought some, but I'm not sure hoe to apply, especially to mounted.

Bud · #4 07-03-2012, 12:24 AM

I read your thread about Bulbophyllum sikkimensis and you got very good advice in there....the other two Bulbos you have are the same culture....all three of your Bulbos come in equatorial warm growing environment.
The only thing Bulbos dont like is disturbing their roots constantly....they can sulk on you (maybe thats what they are doing) but they will get over it and bloom for you....so dont fret

my case is: my Masdies dont bloom for me too....grrr

Mira-Claude · #5 07-03-2012, 03:24 AM

Maybe that's it!
As strange as it is, now that I've looked my notes, I've noticed that blooming usually occurs in between 2 to 4 months after I've repotted them.
But blooming can be a sign of stress!
So maybe that's why they are not growing, well except the little strange one that doesn't seem to mind...
Thanks Bud!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 07-03-2012, 06:35 AM

Do your Bulbos experience at least a 10 degree F difference between day and night temperatures?

Paul Mc · #7 07-03-2012, 06:39 AM

I don't disturb mine other than taking them outside once it's warm enough. King, they do indeed get that temperature differential from spring to fall, and usually do in the winter since they are near old time drafty windows.

Paul Mc · #8 07-03-2012, 06:40 AM

Bud, I will have to find that old thread and re-read it then.

NatalieS · #9 07-03-2012, 07:33 AM

Are they just refusing to bloom or are they not growing at all? i.e. are they growing new pbulbs and roots? What are your light levels like? I don't think you mentioned it.

Paul Mc · #10 07-03-2012, 07:41 AM

They are growing pbulbs and leaves. The light is as high as I dare without burning them. They were outside last year and I noticed the sikkemenses and frostii both had leaf discoloration/burn, so I shaded them just a tad more and they did great afterwards.