Step by step potting Bulbophyllum

[benetay]

Hi,

I have been looking around and i thought maybe i can share how i pot my Bulbophyllum. I'm not sure if it's
of any use since after so many trials, this is more suitable for a higher humidity area, hence the use of perlite.
However, having said that it is possible to adjust accordingly and try out different media. Normally i'll try to
get a suitable size pot for the chids but this time round i think i should try something that can be reuse. I did
the first few experiment few months back and i'm quite certain some of the bulbos really love it. Than again,
since i have limited space i cannot afford to keep doing to all my bulbos.

Enough said.

Step 1
#1 The use of CFC free foam cups. Got quite a lot of these since it was given when we consume yogurt. Yummy!


Step 2
#2 laying out all the drainage holes. Easily pierce through.
Back

Front


Step 3
#3 Sphag spread out loosely to cover the holes since without any moss to cover the holes, i'll need to water
them quite frequently. By covering with a thin layer, i can water them every 3-4 days.

Day Temp/Humidity : 27-32 C/80-89 F, 71%-85%
Night Temp/Humidity : 20-25 C/ 68-77 F, 50%-55% (Air con switched on)


Step 4
#4 Added in some porous stones, heard that these stones are from China and there is no specific name for it.
Just some porous stones. Pretty good for the roots to adhere yet does not stay constantly wet. Comes in 2 sizes
and usually if i want a dryer mix, i'll use the bigger ones and when i need more moisture, i'll use the smaller ones.


Step 5
#5 Usually i'll get them bareroot but since this comes in a pot, i'll let it stay in it's own pot for the time being until
it stablise till the next repotting is required. Bulbo detest remounting and repotting, so try not to disturb them as much as possible.


Step 6
#6 The reason for the use of perlite is to minimise soaking water just below the roots, which could prove detrimental
during the transition stage. Perlite does not absorb water so it's a very good media for me to keep them dry during
the higher humidity days. If it rains for one whole week, at least i know the perlite will remain dry, allows air to flow
through giving the roots a chance to breath. However, if your humidity is very low, i'm not sure if it's a great idea to use
perlite, maybe something more water absorbent.


Step 7
#7 Filling up with Sphag moss to provide moisture to the new grown roots. Once the roots touches a moist
media, it will penetrate deeper and accelerate growth. Oh this is one of my new purchase today.


This is what i did last month or is it 2 months back, i'm not certain about it but anyway. Results!

This is Bulbo Supat Worawongwasu, which makes me think that the new purchase above might love this potting setup.
This is the 3rd bloom so far.


Closeup on the bud.


Oh! Roots coming through.

[RMW]

Hi Benetay. Thanks for the above info. Something more to add to my bulbo notes. Also would like to thank you for the info you provided in my thread on watering bulbos.

[benetay]

Glad that it's of use.

Cheers!

[trinigirl]

Great information, thanks for sharing with us. I would love to use this potting on bulbos that I am still thinking of acquiring.

[benetay]

I guess those who have lower humidity might have to change the perlite to something else.

Cheers!

[joan gero]

Thanks for this very useful suggestion... do you think it will work with other genera as well? It's a great set-up!

[benetay]

I'm not sure with other genera as i specialise in Bulbo. I do have other genera but never pot them up. This setup is for those chids that prefer a moist area but does not constantly stay wet. I could think of a few, masdie, draculas? I'm still relatively new

Glad you think it's of a useful suggestion.

Cheers!

[fred]

pretty good information Benetay

thank you for taking the time doing this thread

I will make this 'sticky' for future reference

[benetay]

Thanks Fred, it's my honor.

Cheers!

[ellen123]

[abiom]

Excellent this one Benetay! Many thanks for sharing,,,I'm pretty sure I will try this