Bulbo lobbii (members project spring 2012 runner-up)
 

You can tell I'm relatively new at orchid growing because I want to post pictures of my plants at every opportunity, regardless of whether or not they are flowering. I realise this probably drives all the pros mad! :blushing: Apologies in advance!

For those of you who didn't participate in the spring 2012 member project, Bulbophyllum lobbii was the runner-up. I liked it so much I bought it as a TC to the winning Sophronitis cernua. I know some members did this as well (would love to see updated pictures of other people's plants!).

Anyway, this is my first bulbo. I'm pleased with its progress and wanted to post some pictures. Any comments welcome - without them I have no basis on which to judge if I'm getting the culture right or not! This is growing in a mix of medium fir bark and perlite. It sits out of direct sunlight in front of an east north east window. The window is on the latch day and night which means there is always fresh air circulating. I spray with rain water every morning with very dilute fertiliser and occasionally I add some seaweed extract to the spray. Temps vary (we've had horrible weather), but I would say the day-time average is 21-23 C. I seem to be getting plenty of growth, but no blooms. Perhaps it is too soon!

The first three photos were taken mid May. The others were taken today. Thank you for looking!

Woah!!! That is the most unique potting method I have ever seen, and I think it would work for Bulbos perfectly, as most species are shallow rooters. I would have to say that yours looks pretty darn happy!

I like looking at the new growths and new roots....Cody is right: the shallow bonsai pot gives it enough space to grow and spread its bulbs.

Thanks guys! Your comments are really appreciated. :)

I believe this guy is meant to bloom in summer so I'm guessing it'll be next year before I see blooms. Oh well! The anticipation is half the fun.

I like! Where did you get the bonsai pot? I haven't been able to find any in stores by me, and shipping costs would be nuts if I ordered some online.

Congrats love how it's planted and looks like the plant thinks so too!!!

Thanks guys - that's very encouraging.

@Gonmon, unfortunately that pot came with me all the way from South Africa when we immigrated. Try your local garden centres though as they will normally have something in the way of bonsai supplies and pots.

Shallow bonsai pots
 

My good friend is a bonsai master in milwaukee Wisconsin. I can ask him where to get the bonsai pot if you have not found any by now.. I am reading all the posts about bulbo.. I am so fascinated by them. Mine is growing in a plastic berry container! :blushing::bowing

Did your plant bloom?
 

I am now reading old posts, it is like reading a book, and the end pages were torn away.. What happened?

These plants have a way of keeping us in suspense!

It is not yet summer here! In fact, spring has only just begun and the weather has been unusually cool. My lobbii is therefore still having its winter rest. :)