Bulb. lasiochillum on mount in drier conditions and general care suggestions - Orchid Board

Salixx · #1 04-26-2016, 03:28 PM

Okay, so I may not have made the best choice for my little Bulby so I am going to try to do my best for now.

When I received it, it was looking pretty rough and I wasn't exactly happy with the supplier but, I've never had a Bulbo before so I wasn't 100% certain things were amiss. However, the more I read, it seemed like they like a few things things: being mounted, lots of water and a good amount of feedings.

So, I went about buying a cork bark mount, put a thin pad of sphag on it with fishing line and then gently attached the B. lasiochilium on with fishing line. Here is the final result:

It's only been a couple days, so the plant hasn't had time to tell me much and I know that it could take it a while recover from the poor treatment I think it received at the vendor.

Does this look about right? Should there be more moss?

I also have a question about watering and fertilizing. I've currently been heavily misting 2X per day, until the moss is dripping. I mist when the moss is almost completely dry, but I can still feel a bit of moisture. I know Bulbos like water, but I don't want to over do it to the point of rot and I want to help this little guy recover. Also, how often should I fertilize? I've read some contradicting info about it... everything from every day with a misting to weekly. I do eventually plan on moving this guy to a terrarium before next winter... I just need to get the funds to buy one and deck it out with some lighting.

Finally, the quest for the right amount of light. I live in the US in growing zone 5b. My days are getting longer which is good (for me and the plants!). I have the bulbo in a skylight, on the side that never gets direct sunlight (the other side gets full, direct sun from about 7am to 1/2pm). I don't have a functional light meter (yet, got one on my Amazon wishlist though!) so I can't tell you the FC numbers... but, what do you all think? Good light, too much or too little? If it helps, the picture shows a little less light than normal... there's snow on my skylight (yes, snow and its almost May... I'm not happy here in NH).

Also, I have a Bulbophyllum maxillare incoming, at least that's what the seller called it. My research suggests this is a synonym for B. blumei. Can someone confirm this? I'm having trouble finding detailed care recommendations for it... just enough that I thought I might be able to handle it. Does anyone have one that could give me some tips for success? Or direct me to a good spot. If it helps, I am planning on mounting it on an upside-down terracotta pot packed with sphag and sitting in a dish of water.

Also, I'd be more than happy for further success suggestions. I find great pleasure/joy in making my plants extra happy, even if I have to do a lot of work to get there.

Thank you all!