Anyone else growing Bulbophyllum in S/H? - Orchid Board

slide1475 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2009, 05:39 PM

I would love to know if anyone is growing any of their Bulbophyllum collection in semi-hydroponics. I have repotted quite a few of mine into S/H and now am rethinking a bit, since some are such ramblers that I probably should keep them in vanda baskets with sphag.

Any thoughts? Anyone keeping ramblers in S/H?

LauraN · #2 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 09:23 AM

I have one in aliflor. Several in rock, some mounted, and a few in spag vanda baskets. They all seemed to do fine even once they ramble outside of their homes, so I'm not sure if they really need any potting at all!

Tindomul · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauraN

They all seemed to do fine even once they rambler outside of their homes, so I'm not sure if they really need any potting at all!

Too funny.

I don't have any in S/H, but hey what a concept. That might help me keep them happy in terms of water consumption. But only for my compact ones.

slide1475 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 11:58 AM

Hi LauraN,

So nice to hear from you - sounds like you have a hefty collection of Bulbophyllum too. I am starting to believe they dont need to be potted also! That being said, are there any signs that you think indicate your Bulbophyllum is potted in the wrong place?

LauraN · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 01:14 PM

I rescued some recently from a grower that had them in no media...just laying in flat trays and they looked like they hadn't been watered in quite some time! Surprisingly most of them had no growth emerging on them even when the bulbs were almost shriveled to nothing, so I guess the only sign would be shriveling of the bulbs. I have had a couple that just sit there doing nothing for awhile, but they all seem to snap out of it eventually.
Keep in mind that I grow all of mine in fairly bright light, most do just fine...Some protest slightly but usually come around after 6 months or so!
I really think that you have to try HARD to kill these guys...

Bird Song Farm · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul

.

I don't have any in S/H, but hey what a concept. That might help me keep them happy in terms of water consumption. But only for my compact ones.

Hi Tin,
Are saying that the larger ones need a lot of water?
I tend to over water so I'm kind of at a loss with my medusea......I did get 5 blossoms last Nov/Dec but I still worry about "her".
Al

[EDIT] I'm considering S/H for her....should I?

Tindomul · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 04:58 PM

No, im just saying that S/H pots large enough to accomadate a rambling Bulbo will have a harder time wicking enough water to supply the plant. I'm not sure about this, but I think (just a hunch) that the wider the s/h pot, the less effective it becomes.

rtsingleton · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 09:36 PM

I've got at least 5 bulbos in s/h, but instead of using pots I got a stack of the large square tupperware sets from a dollar store and poked holes in em. It gives the plants room to ramble and isn't very deep. My medusae just bloomed for the first time ever after about 3 months in s/h, hope this helps....

Tindomul · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtsingleton

I've got at least 5 bulbos in s/h, but instead of using pots I got a stack of the large square tupperware sets from a dollar store and poked holes in em. It gives the plants room to ramble and isn't very deep. My medusae just bloomed for the first time ever after about 3 months in s/h, hope this helps....

Wow, now thats a smart and inventive solution!!!