Bulbophyllum Medusae appearance - Orchid Board

fotofashion · #1 10-23-2009, 09:23 PM

Are all B. Medusae plants ugly? Look like they are on their last legs? The reason I ask is that I paid $25 for one plant from a reputable grower. The other plants I received from him were gorgeous. One has 5 or 6 spikes and the other is outstanding in appearance. But the Bulbo.-One piece was detached, one lead was rather crumpled up in the mesh basket. It looks like it is trying to put out another lead, but I am a bit apprehensive about that plant. Emailed the grower who was going to send me a replacement but found he was out of stock and will refund.
Ordered another plant from another reputable dealer. This one is also ugly. It has two spikes and "may" bloom but again I am appalled at its appearance.
Can someone reassure me that the appearance is not as important as I think it is? Or is it?

Thanks
Beverly A.

Sandy4453 · #2 10-23-2009, 10:34 PM

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder....

Before I became interested in orchids as a hobby, I used to think, 'what a shame that such beautiful flowers are part of such ugly looking plants and the only time they were sightly, was while blooming.' I can't believe I didn't see all of it's beauty back then but, I didn't. I do now though. Are you sure you knew before it arrived, what to expect the plant would look like?

Here's my medusae (the one with the yellow tag). Do you have any pics of yours to post?

Bolero · #3 10-24-2009, 03:42 AM

You don't like the look of the plant itself? I am sure it's normal to look the way it does but without a photo I can't be sure. They are interesting plants but maybe not typical of what you're used to growing.

fotofashion · #4 10-24-2009, 07:17 PM

Sandy: Your plant is georgeous compared to mine. I'll just have to take a couple of pictures and let the knowlegeable ones give their opinion. Thanks
Beverly A.

Katznk9s · #5 10-28-2009, 08:00 PM

Hello:
I have 3 medusae bulbos. One planted in a 6" pot with NZ sphagnum, one attached to a "cage" made out of 1/2 inch hardware cloth packed with NA sphagnum, and another in a 6" bulb pan potted in small fir chips mixed with a bit of perlite, small charcoal and fine tree fern. The only one that bloomed is the one planted in the bulb pan with the NZ sphagnum. It only has 2 bulbs, sent out 2 gorgeous infloresences, both bloomed with 8-9 inch long blossoms, and the bulbs look like they're ready to turn to mush. However, they remain firm, and now are sending out what looks like more bulbs. The other two, the oldest of the three I have, have never bloomed, the bulbs look lovely and green, and the leaves look quite healthy and green. They all get the same high light. I'm beginning to think the bulbs have to look ready to croak before the plant will bloom. Comments would be appreciated...

Sandy4453 · #6 10-29-2009, 01:08 AM

Glad I saw this thread again. I posted the wrong pic of my medusae. The one I posted is of my B. Wilmar Galaxy. This is my menusae.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katznk9s

The only one that bloomed is the one planted in the bulb pan with the NZ sphagnum.

They all get the same high light.

How often are you watering this one Katznk? In/outdoors? What kind of high light are you talking? I've got mine in northeast light.

Katznk9s · #7 10-29-2009, 02:08 AM

They are all in a small greenhouse, all facing east getting between 3000-3500 ft of light and all my bulbos get misted/watered (RO water) with 1/4 recommended amount of fertilizer every other morning in winter, every morning other times, except when (IF ever) it rains or is overcast.