Differences between b.phalaenopsis, b.fletcherianum, b.macrobulbum when not in bloom?

[Sinisteorchids]

How can I tell b. phalaenopsis, b. fletcherianum, and b. macrobulbum apart if they are not in bloom? What intricate details can I look for in the differences between their pseudobulbs or leaves? I have looked through as much photos and information as I could possibly find and I'm still having trouble telling them apart without flowers. I'm in the process of acquiring all three. I have purchased b. phalaenopsis and b. fletcherianum. The difference I could tell between these two at the moment is that b. fletcherianum seems to have a more purplish hue on it's pseudobulbs but sometimes in different specimens they end up looking the same. Mislabelings and some sellers who have mixed idea what they have is the problem, are there any details I could look for to be of certain?

[WhiteRabbit]

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Often it's impossible to differentiate similar species without flowers.

[Subrosa]

Coloration isn't always reliable because the color of a given plant can vary greatly depending upon growing conditions, particularly light.

[Sinisteorchids]

Seems like it is fairly difficult if not impossible to tell the difference in immature plants. I've recently located a b. macrobulbum, he'd offer me a division but with only 1 pseudobulb and it's new growth, according to him the pseudobulb has properly rooted. Would this survive? From the photo he sent me the pseudobulb looks pretty small but it is already giving a new growth.

[estación seca]

Yes, it can survive with proper care. Are you an experienced Bulbophyllum grower, or just starting out? I personally haven't grown them long enough to be willing to try a plant that small.

[Sinisteorchids]

I do have some experiences with Bulbophyllums but I've never received or cared for a plant this small before so I was wondering if it would be more difficult or intensive than I would've bargained for. For one thing if I do take his offer, this plant would be set back by a lot but if under normal husbandry conditions and it can thrive I'd consider and give it a go. Usually, when I buy sympodial orchids I would've had at least 3-5 pseudobulbs on a rhizome and they would do fine under my growing conditions but since this macrobulbum is so scarce he would only do a small division. I did try an offer to buy the whole plant but nope..

---------- Post added at 02:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:33 AM ----------

I will also be looking for b. orthosepalum, b. agastor, and b. cruentum. Once I get all of them, I will try to keep this thread posted on the young plants so people could have at least some sort of reference in trying to differentiate the Macrobulbon section plants without flowers. It is most of the time impossible to buy a mature blooming plant (if so without costing an arm and a leg), something like this would be helpful. If other people can chime in on their knowledge on their collection in this section Macrobulbon it would be even better.

[Tondomanila]

Originally Posted by Sinisteorchids

How can I tell b. phalaenopsis, b. fletcherianum, and b. macrobulbum apart if they are not in bloom? What intricate details can I look for in the differences between their pseudobulbs or leaves? I have looked through as much photos and information as I could possibly find and I'm still having trouble telling them apart without flowers. I'm in the process of acquiring all three. I have purchased b. phalaenopsis and b. fletcherianum. The difference I could tell between these two at the moment is that b. fletcherianum seems to have a more purplish hue on it's pseudobulbs but sometimes in different specimens they end up looking the same. Mislabelings and some sellers who have mixed idea what they have is the problem, are there any details I could look for to be of certain?

Almost impossible to differentiate between these bulbophyllum species without flowers. I have more than 50 flowering bulb. phalaenopsis and with some fletcherianum & spiesii. They are all similar in growth habit including size & shape of the leaves. I am now moving to a new house. Hopefully I can build my new greenhouse before winter and I will post pictures of my giant bulbophyllums collection.

[MattWoelfsen]

If this single bulb division sets you back monetarily, I would pass. It will be challenging to grow one small bulb.