I have a problem with Bulbophyllum Rothschildianum

[Queenslander]

Not sure what to do. Autumn here in Australia. This orchid has just finished flowering. Only 3 flowers, it is usually a mass of stalks. But not this year. The new bulbs are overhanging the pot. The orchid doesn't look as healthy as it should be. Is it too early to repot this Bulbophyllum? Should I wait for spring?

[Dave S.]

I would re-pot today; it will give you an opportunity to check on the roots for pests, disease, etc. as well as take care of the roots hanging outside the pot.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Bulbos are usually pretty strong, (there are a few exceptions, but most will not decline if you repot or remount regardless of the time of year). Repot now if you feel there's something wrong.

[Queenslander]

Thanks Dave and Phillip, I will repot. The temp. here in Brisbane is around 26 C, which is the highest record ever for this time of the year, it is our Autumn here, Winter will be here next week. So repotting shouldn't be too much of a shock.

[james mickelso]

Uh....I would wait. Just me but I would wait. Whether you repot now or wait, the plant is resting and not taking in much water or nutrients. Repot now and with minor (hopefully only minor) damage to the roots and you'll set the plants back quite a bit. It may be 26C now but how cool and dry will it be in two months? Wait until new growth starts. Leaving it where it is now won't affect it as much as repotting it. Just my 6 cents.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Bulbos deteriorate quickly if they're starting to go downhill. Whether it is the ideal time or not doesn't matter in this case. It is best to act if the person doesn't feel comfortable with how the plant is doing. I've tinkered with Bulbos during the fall/winter before with no serious problems. It was when I let them go when they started to look bad, that they continued to deteriorate to the point of no return. Many Bulbos recover really well, particularly if they're from the group that used to be classified as Cirrhopetalum.

Most of my oldest Bulbos are from this section. They're pretty resilient.

[Queenslander]

Thank you for your replies, James/Philip.
I have repotted, into a bigger pot. All the feelers(?) with roots, were trying to cross each other. So I separated them and carefully covered the roots with potting bark. Fingers crossed, I hope it survives our winter. But it doesn't get very drastic in temp. here, min/max sometimes 11/20 deg.C.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The "feelers" are rhizomes.

Those temperatures are just fine.

[james mickelso]

Sounds like you did good. Your orchids should be fine. Behave yourself.

[IncurablePlantHead]

I was looking at your photo and noted that all the pseudobulbs look dehydrated, very wrinkled and narrow. Is the humidity low there; is it getting enough water?