Bulbophyllum Roots

[BikerDoc5968]

I know Phal roots from keikis have to be about 2" ~ 3" and at least 3 to remove it from the parent plant. But what about Bulbophyllum? I have a B. Frank Smith that is going to town with new growth and I have 3 or 4 groups of pseudo bulbs with roots as pictured. I think they are a bit short to remove them now. What is your opinion?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I think that you're correct in assuming that they're too short. My recommendation is to wait until they're about an inch before you can think about removing them.

[SOS]

I dont think its a big deal, the Herb Hager-ism about roots being 3inches, is a collaborative 3 inches.

Being that those roots are actively growing its not a big deal since it will grow into whatever. You might need a clip or something to secure it to the media so the root tips dont break.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by SOS

I dont think its a big deal, the Herb Hager-ism about roots being 3inches, is a collaborative 3 inches.

Being that those roots are actively growing its not a big deal since it will grow into whatever. You might need a clip or something to secure it to the media so the root tips dont break.

While I'm not going to say, "Wait until the roots get 3" long to remove the keikis." I hesitate to advise to do it at such an early stage in their development. Should the root tips decide to die off (I've had this happen before, particularly with Bulbos), there's nothing left to deal with.

I still stand by waiting until they're at least 1" long.

[Royal]

I always saw it as 3" combined. One three inch root, three one inch roots, or twenty four 1/8" roots.

[gnathaniel]

I'd say do it now. The new roots will adapt better to their new potting medium if they're allowed to grow into it rather than growing in the air and then being placed in it. You'll probably break less of the tips doing it now, too.

--Nat