Repotting suggestions for Bulbophyllum

[KarenC]

I picked up this orchid from a nursery a couple months ago, it's looking pretty overgrown. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach repotting it? Should I split it or just size up the pot? What do I do about it growing over itself? Thanks

[estación seca]

You notice Bulbos. have very short roots. Bill Thoms has vast numbers of awards on Bulbos. He recommends growing them in very shallow and wide baskets or dishes so the entire plant has medium under it when transplanted. He puts a mound of foam packing peanuts on the bottom, then a thick layer of mounded sphagnum moss, which he keeps completely wet by watering every day, and even standing them in dishes of water. You can find his book at bulbophyllums.com .

[Roberta]

Don't divide it... a big strong plant is better able to bloom than several small weak ones. This one is just a rambler. Don't worry about its growing over itself, it looks quite happy. If you need to cut the pot to get it out, that's fine... pots are cheap, roots are precious. For a new pot, go for something shallow and wide. A plastic tray or food container (just poke some drainage holes) can be repurposed for the job. Sphagnum is a good medium - Bulbos tend to like to be on the wet side.

Take a look at this talk by Bill Thoms, San Francisco Orchid Society for some ideas. You can fast-forward through meeting stuff, the talk is long but there are some very good ideas in there. If your browser doesn't take you to the video (mine doesn't), select "Quote" to see the actual URL string and copy it, paste in browser address bar.

[KarenC]

Those are super helpful tips, thank you both so much!