I bought this at an orchid sale, but I don't think it's an orchid...

[Jadeco]

Do Bulbos grow fast and big? I'm trying to figure out how long and wide of a plaque to get.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Jadeco

Do Bulbos grow fast and big? I'm trying to figure out how long and wide of a plaque to get.

Don't know on this, but why not find a local tree limb like a fruitwood (apple, for instance - be careful not to use salt-water driftwood, cedar is OK also) maybe 2" or so thick and maybe a foot or 18" long, and tie the plant to the stick. If it outgrows the stick, do the trimming technique described earlier and get more plants.

[epiphyte78]

I live in inland Southern California...we're very lacking in humidity as well. From my experience, it's very possible to substitute decreased humidity with increased watering. What the air is lacking I provide directly to the roots. I've looked for any kind of study measuring exactly how much moisture orchids can absorb through their leaves and haven't been able to find much. If anybody has found any such research, I'd be very interested in reading it.

I've got several bulbos and related types that are thriving right now outdoors despite our low humidity mainly because I keep them moist. I've got them mounted on flat horizontal wooden planks with a good handful of green sphagnum moss between the orchid and the plank.

Your fimbriata looks like its due for a good repotting but since it still looks happy I'd just cut off the two rhizomes that have wandered furtherest from the pot. I'd mount them on two different mounts and let one just barely dry out between waterings and try to keep the other relatively moist...but definitely not wet. Then watch them to see how they respond to their different conditions.

[Jadeco]

What should I do about fertilizer? I found one source saying I should use a high N weakly with every watering.

[Jadeco]

Spikes? Maybe? Sorry for the blurry picture

[epiphyte78]

Can't help you with fertilizer as I haven't fertilized mine. The common adage seems to be 'weekly weakly' which seems like a pretty safe rule to follow during the orchid's growth period.

It could very well be a spike as one of mine is showing the same thing as well.

[nancy]

It does look like Coelogyne fimbriata, which is a darn cute little flower, and fairly long-lasting.
Don't know about potting, mine is on a stick.

[Jadeco]

I mounted it! I made a huge mess on the kitchen floor, though, hehe. My boyfriend furrowed his eyebrows in mild disapproval, but I will take my orchids over his disapproval

And it has three spikes I think I should have bought a bigger tree fern plaque, but I can always stack the old one on top of the new one if the plant grows more. Or make more plants.

Also, in the second picture, you can see brown spots on one of the leaves in the background. I don't know what that is or what to do about it.

[JennS]

I think your mount looks great. I am not positive because I only have one bulbo, but I think they are pretty quick to tell you if you aren't watering enough. They bulbs shrivel pretty quick (I think). However, if it is not a bulbo, they I don't really know. On the fert. question I would just stick to weekly, weakly. You did a great job for your first mount, now I may even try it. I am feeling inspired!

[telipogon]

Small Coelogyne species like fimbriata are much better if you grow it in a hanging basket and allow it to wander, they can make most spectacular hanging specimen plants and the flowering period is much longer. I have seen some spectacular specimens of this one :-)