Bulbophyllum jersey: lateral sepals won't separate - Orchid Board

minhbui82 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 12:37 PM

So I got this jersey from one of the vendors hosted by the Maryland Orchid Society a few months ago, and it's growing very well. Two new leaves have sprouted and two flowers (on the same stem) since getting it. This is the first flower to mature & open, but as you can see, the lateral sepals are not separating as it should. Not too happy about that. Have a feeling the second flower will be the same *sigh*. Still a gorgeous plant to look at and admire despite its flaws...

RosieC · #2 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 01:41 PM

Looks pretty. I like the colour.

boytjie · #3 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 02:26 PM

Is it a first bloom? Sometimes on really young plants it takes a couple of blooming cycles for them to come into their own and really 'strut their stuff.' Just a thought.

brooke · #4 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 08:27 PM

Try misting the bloom with water if they are sticking. Sometimes it is lack of moisture and the mist will help unstick them.

Brooke

jbigio · #5 (**permalink**) 08-07-2009, 10:46 PM

In most cases this is caused by a lack of humidity as the bud is forming but as stated it could also be a young plant. just because the first bloom is this way it doesn't mean the rest will.
joe

goodgollymissmolly · #6 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 06:53 AM

I'd say the best explanation is that the plant is misidentified. The co-joined lateral sepals along with the curling of the outer edges upward and inward to form a tube are indicative of the species previously known as Cirrhopetalums. It's unlikely that lobbii and echinolabium (Jersey) would produce this characteristic.

jbigio · #7 (**permalink**) 08-08-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodgollymissmolly

I'd say the best explanation is that the plant is misidentified. The co-joined lateral sepals along with the curling of the outer edges upward and inward to form a tube are indicative of the species previously known as Cirrhopetalums. It's unlikely that lobbii and echinolabium (Jersey) would produce this characteristic.

I would have to disagree I have several Jerseys and the picture is true to this hybrid with the exception of course of this problem

minhbui82 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks for you input everyone . Yes, this is the 1st bloom (at least for me) and pretty young plant indeed. I did as Brooke & Jbigio suggested and misted the flowers, which helped separate them somewhat. I then gave it a little nudge by pulling the sepals apart. Apparently, they were stuck to the labellum...