back bulbs to grow. Question

[ferramont]

Dear orchid lovers,

I have a question for you. I recently put to "propagate" 3 backbulbs with the plastic bag method. I've put on the process a couple of Cyms and a Cambria back bulb.

After reading this and that on the web, I have some doubts: what is the best media for BB propagation, sphagnum or bark/perlite/coconut fibre?

also, regarding the Cambria, I picked one BB to grow. The rest of the plant has 2 Pseudobulbs, on is the leading with leaves, the other is the proper BB. The plant is green, but the roots seem not very healthy, too moist from my point of view. Could I put the whole plant in sphagnum to force new growths? Should I cut the roots and leave the leaves on to force the new growths?

I'll put photos later.

Thanks!

[Orchid Whisperer]

For most back bulb divisions, just one or two pseudobulbs per division will not provide enough energy for the plant to grow well. I have heard that you generally don't want any divisions with fewer than 4 pseudobulbs, if possible.

When I have made back bulb divisions, I have usually tried to wait until summer to do so, and potted them outdoors in whatever medium the main plant was growing in.

[Fairorchids]

If backbulbs have good roots, you can certainly use same mix.

If backbulbs have few roots, I would go with fresh spaghnum.

[WhiteRabbit]

Cym backbulbs are usually easy to propagate. I've done so in my usual Cym potting mix. Use some toothpicks or skewers to help support the pbulb. Place in a fairly shady spot. Keep media lightly moist.

I haven't had any luck propagating Onc backbulbs, but it is possible - tho is likely "hit or miss"

[dounoharm]

by taking one backbulb off a 3 backbulb plant you are really putting your plant in a bind....you are taking the stored energy away from the plant....most established plants need a few backbulbs....the plant you left with only 2 backbulbs will struggle now....you will have to baby it along carefully, so be aware of that....the backbulb you removed may or may not generate a new plant, but again, it will struggle....it doesn't have enough reserves to really establish a strong growth....if you don't have a greenhouse, you are really working at a disadvantage....I think you should spend some time studying backbulb propagation before chopping up your plants....good luck tho...

[ferramont]

Than you all for your replies, appreciate your ideas!
I'll definitely care for the hurt plant...

besides, all bibliography you can provide on backbulb propagation will be welcome. All I've done is search a lot on the web, but there was not that very much on backbulbs.

[Dan796]

Where can I find back bulb resources?
Living permanently disabled, and living on a very small fixed income, I've found many times back bulbs are the best way to afford and/or try new species, varieties etc.
For me, it would be worth the year or two to wait until it blooms.
Last year I was gifted several Cym, and onc. alliance back bulbs for postage, and I've had excellent success with getting them to both root and start new growth.
The problem is, finding sources to get more of them?
Any suggestions as to where I can look for back bulbs would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your time!
Dan~

---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 PM ----------

Where can I find back bulb resources?
Living permanently disabled, and living on a very small fixed income, I've found many times back bulbs are the best way to afford and/or try new species, varieties etc.
For me, it's usually worth the year or two to wait until it blooms.
I was recently gifted several Cym, and onc. alliance back bulbs for postage, and I've had excellent success with getting them to both root and start new growth.
The problem is, finding sources to get more of them?
Any suggestions as to where I can look for back bulbs would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for your time!
Dan~

[orchidsarefun]

I have successfully propagated single bulbs of zygopetalum, catasetum and cattleya. I wouldn't take a bulb off any plant that would leave less than 3 plump bulbs on the mother.
I placed them upright in single pots, on a thin layer of sphagnum moss and kept it moist. It takes a while but eventually new growth will start..........if you are lucky. After the new roots are at least an inch in length I potted up in a mix of bark and sphag - about 60/40. As the bulb grows and develops foliage you can think about repotting into its normal mix.
As for resources - at the time I couldn't find anything worthwhile either.