Bulbophyllum Phalaenopsis - Factual & scientific signs of plant maturity
 

Hi guys,
New to the site but not new to orchids.

My question relates to my bulbophyllum phalaenopsis. I have done plenty of digging and i have also read other threads on the site that was tagged as bulbophyllum phalaenopsis, yet i have not encountered a factual, or more precise answer if you may, that could enable me in assessing the maturity of my bulbophyllum phalaenopsis.

I have seen many saying you must have a leaf that measures at least up to 24''.
Others saying the bulb must be x amount of size.
Some other comments say it depends on your growing conditions, and that is all great, but it is too vague for someone that understands facts.

I get that there are variables, and that the growth conditions as well as other external factors always come into play when anyone grows anything, but is there any chance that someone can offer me some factual, scientific, and factual evidence and/or signs to check for, or any tips, on how it is i can assess my plants maturity please?

I have attached pictures for reference.

Thank you kindly in advance.

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

The Bulbo. phalaenopsis I've seen flowering, in person and in photos, were much larger than your plant.

I can’t remember exact length but the first time one I curated bloomed the leaf was at least 18 inches long, maybe 2 feet.

Plants react to their environment with variable growth rates and forms. Two plants of the same age can be extremely different.

There may be some hormonal markers that indicate that a plant is getting ready to mature and bloom, but there is no measurment that guarentees maturity. Growers can predict the size at which a plant will bloom because they can grow out and bloom dozens, but there is no guarentee.

That said, im guessing your plant has 3 or more years before it is old enough. Its a slow plant. It demands even more patience that your average orchid!

Thank you for elaborating a bit further into some other information relating to hormonal markers.
I will look further into that.
I do not mind how long it takes to mature but not knowing how to try and predict its age its driving me nuts.
Your comment has helped in terms of what to investigate and research.
Thank you very much!

Have you thought about asking the grower how long until the plants will bloom? They can probably tell you within a year or two. That is probably the closest you will get honestly. And it assumes that you will grow it well.

The hormone thing is just me assuming that there are chemical changes in plants as they "go through puberty." I dont actually know of anything specific you could check for, just so you know.