Bulbophyllum sumatranum

[Tschimm]

Mine is blooming now for the first time. Got it Dec. 2013 in bud (blasted)
I grow it in intermediate temps, RH around 60%, 1foot from t5.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Alexk82

Hello. My names Alex, I'm new to the forum so sorry if this questions been answered probably a thousand times. Anyway I have a sumatranum with roughly 12-14 bulbs so it's decent size and it's crazy healthy. I've had no problems with it in 2 years. New roots all the time and no spotting on leaves or bulbs. But it's never thrown up one flower. I've changed lighting to try to coax one but nope! I refuse to give up at this point, il die before I stop trying for this one. That being said I'd like it sooner than later so any advice that works or at least a very strong guess would be super appreciated. Thanks

---------- Post added at 10:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 AM ----------

It's sumatranum "very berry" if that helps

Do you grow indoors? The op lives in HI and I believe grew his outside year round. This exposes the plant to normal seasonal variations in not just the intensity but more importantly the length of the day. Many plants take clues on when to flower, go dormant, etc from this seasonal fluctuation. Running your lights for lengths of time mimicking the length of days in the tropics is a good place to start. Try 13 hours until Thanksgiving. Then go to 11 until Valentine's Day, at which time go up to 13 again. Try not to expose the plant to any light during its night. I don't keep this particular species, and honestly don't do well with Bulbos, probably due to humidity issues. But the connection between seasonal day length changes and plant development is well established and mimicking the pattern of the plant's native environment is a good place to start with an otherwise healthy, thriving plant that refuses to bloom.

[Alexk82]

I live in Florida and all my plants but a few paph slice in my greenhouse right next to other bulbos that blo regularly

---------- Post added at 07:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 AM ----------

Live In my greenhouse not slice. Phone issues

---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------

My greenhouse remains very dark at night except moonlight. I have a lobbii that lives next to it that blooms

[Tschimm]

I haven't changed day length since March or April. The temperature was also very stable, it got just slightly warmer in the past few weeks (day and night average plus 1-2 C)

This plant doesn't seem to be photosensitive.
Not a surprise as Sumatra is right at the equator ;-)

[Alexk82]

Yours has such nice color.

[Tschimm]

Thanks. I hope yours will bloom soon for you.
I really don't know why it shouldn't ...

[TOMMYMIAMI]

This one has really beautiful blooms! Stunning Bulbo.

[Tschimm]

Just a little update....
My Bulbo decided to bloom again. Now on two PBs

[Alexk82]

Wow as if I wasn't jealous before. That's awesome. Good job it must be happy

[Tschimm]

Thanks.
I brought it outside some days ago to enjoy the blooms. It seems to adjust well to the new conditions.
It hangs above a goldfish pond on a twig of a rambler rose in bright shade.
I just dunk it in the pond from time to time ;-)