Bulbophyllum echinolabium first time flowering 2013

[Tondomanila]

I had this plant for more than 8 years. It never bloom until this year. I was so surprised when I saw two spikes growing on the sides. The only different I did was to exposed it to a bright sunlight (50% shade) and a warm condition. Bulbophyllum does not like to be placed on cooler temperature. I kept some of my bulbos in 90-100 degrees temperature during summer and above 70 degrees during winter. I re-organized my orchid collection and placed all the bulbophyllum in the highest elevation inside the greenhouse. My dendrobium are all kept on the floor since it is cooler down there. I water them lightly during winter (Maryland weather). Do not over water the bulbos unless you are in Florida. It will not work on northern part of the USA. Besides, every increase on temperature in the winter will cost you a lot of money on your electric bill.

[nikkik]

Great growing! The flowers are very beautiful. I appreciate your tips on how you grow your plant.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Amazing, this must be really rewarding, to have first bloom after 8 years. Your plant is gorgeous and big, so now when you figure the best conditions your Bulbos should give you quite a blooming show:-)

[kindrag23]

COOL!!!!

[RandomGemini]

That is beautiful! But the important question on my mind about bulbos of late, must be asked: Is it stinky, and if so, what does it smell like?

Thank you for sharing! I just purchased my first bulbo and it appears that it will either smell like "a dead body buried under the stairs" or "rotten brie" when it blooms, the internet can't seem to decide which one it is, so I've become curious about stinky bulbophyllum orchids now. LOL!

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

That is beautiful! But the important question on my mind about bulbos of late, must be asked: Is it stinky, and if so, what does it smell like?

Thank you for sharing! I just purchased my first bulbo and it appears that it will either smell like "a dead body buried under the stairs" or "rotten brie" when it blooms, the internet can't seem to decide which one it is, so I've become curious about stinky bulbophyllum orchids now. LOL!

O GOD!! MUST NOT READ POSTS LIKE THIS IN QUIET MOMENTS IN CLASS!!! IT IS VERY VERY BAD!!!!: rofl:

[Tondomanila]

Originally Posted by RandomGemini

That is beautiful! But the important question on my mind about bulbos of late, must be asked: Is it stinky, and if so, what does it smell like?

Thank you for sharing! I just purchased my first bulbo and it appears that it will either smell like "a dead body buried under the stairs" or "rotten brie" when it blooms, the internet can't seem to decide which one it is, so I've become curious about stinky bulbophyllum orchids now. LOL!

Well, like other orchid plants, the smell will be strong when the plant is exposed to sunlight. The more time exposure they get, the strong aroma they emit. If you don't like the smell, just keep away by a foot and do not expose it to a bright light. Speaking about the "aroma", the smell is like a decaying dead rat. In the scale of 1 to 10, it is about 8.

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by Tondomanila

Well, like other orchid plants, the smell will be strong when the plant is exposed to sunlight. The more time exposure they get, the strong aroma they emit. If you don't like the smell, just keep away by a foot and do not expose it to a bright light. Speaking about the "aroma", the smell is like a decaying dead rat. In the scale of 1 to 10, it is about 8.

O dear God Almighty I refuse to buy this one then! Hehe! Since my bulbos have to be inside growers whew!! And my bulbo window is by my russian tortoise I dont think he will appreciate the smell anymore than I would.

[SlipperGirl]

I love the look of this orchid how big is the bloom?

[Tondomanila]

Originally Posted by SlipperGirl

I love the look of this orchid how big is the bloom?

The flower is approximately 12" from top to bottom. According to the internet I read, the flower can get up to 18" to 24". Mine is the first bloom. Hopefully, it will be bigger next year. Thank you to all responses.