Bublophyllum echinolabium

[leeflea]

I have a Bulbophyllum echinolabium and have had it a couple yrs. So far it hasn't bloomed.
Besides the carrion odor of the bloom, how long do the blooms usually last?
Thank you, Leeflea

[leeflea]

Forgive me if I've asked this before but I'd like the know if anyone has had any experience with Epi. Mabel Kanda 'Miylan' x Epi randianum? I bought this at one of the big box stores and it's doing well.
It's potted in a 4 in. vented pot and receives, as my others, S/SW exposure but without sheer curtain in front of it.
Does it have a fragrance. I'm particularly fond of the ones with a fragrance.
Thank you, Leeflea

[kmarch]

Bulbo echinolabium flowers last about 5 days but they are sequential bloomers. Never cut their flower spikes off unless they are dead, dry, shriveled and brown. They will continue to produce flowers one after another on the same inflorescence and they will grow additional flower spikes as the plant grows bigger. Eventually you will have several spikes and will nearly always have a flower coming.

[leeflea]

K. Thanks for the info. Had you not told me, I'd have cut off the spike. Have you had much experience with them? If so, how badly do they smell like carrion? Too, should they be fed whilst in bloom? Lee

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by leeflea

K. Thanks for the info. Had you not told me, I'd have cut off the spike. Have you had much experience with them? If so, how badly do they smell like carrion? Too, should they be fed whilst in bloom? Lee

I have never grown echinolabium although I am currently being tempted by one on eBay. A dear orchid friend of mine in the states had a big one though which she'd often bring to shows (if the timing was right) and club meetings. I've seen hers growing and in flower many times. They don't smell good at all but it's not the worst I've ever smelled in a bulbo. Ask 5 different growers about the feeding an you'll get 5 different answers. My answer is that I don't fertilize at all.

[JLu]

Bulb echinolabium is not too bad as odor goes. At certain times the flower has what I call a dead fish/salt water odor. Not too different from the smell around a pier where fishing boats tie up in a Gulf coast bay or bayou. You generally have to stick your nose in it to smell it. At most times, I can detect no odor at all. Mine are in a GH so I have no idea how it might smell up the air in more stagnant home environment. My guess is not too bad or too long.

It is one of the easier bulbos to bloom and one of the best blooms. Get one for sure.

Here's mine
Bulb echinolabium LUR_4618 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[orchids4me]

Hi Leeflea,
I have no exp. With either but if you get no response on your Epi question on this thread here under this title heading make its own thread so its targeted for its topic, and experienced growers see it to help you out.
Good luck : )
Emmaye

[leeflea]

JLu,'
Thanks for the beautiful pic. of the Bulbo. echinolabium. It looks perfect. If mine blooms even close the the one you did, I'll be happy.
Thanks, Lee

[JLu]

It's a big flower. The dorsal sepal is upright during part of the flower life. When it is upright the natural vertical spread of the flower in the picture is 14 inches.

[leeflea]

Thanks JLu, Orchids4me, and K. march for your answers on my question re: B. echinolabium.
I am no longer filled with trepidation about blooming one. I can handle the 'ocean' smell. With all this heat over the last few weeks, I'd LOVE to be near the ocean.
JLu, the pic. of yours is beautiful. Wish me luck.
Lee