How I can divide my Bulbophyllum?

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Hi Guys, question, I have pretty big Bulbophyllum Rufinum, and I would love to separate part and make new mounted one. I have no clue how to separate bulbophyllums, any tips? I do not want to screw this, I am familiar now only with keikis from Dendrobiums and Phals, but never separated Bulbo??? Many thanks for any (all) the tips

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by TOMMYMIAMI

...I have [a] pretty big Bulbophyllum rufinum, and I would love to separate [them] apart and make [a] new mounted [division]. I have no clue how to separate Bulbophyllums, any tips? I do not want to screw this [up]...

Haha! You just answered your own question without you knowing it. (Btw, I may have quoted you, but I made some revisions from the original post, I hope you don't mind.)

Remove from the pot and twist, (,), them off if you don't want to use cutters and if the rhizome is thin enough.

If the rhizome is too thick, you must use a pair of sterilized cutters.

If the rhizmoe is too thick and the pseudobulbs are too close together, use a pair of sterilized cutters and cut from beneath the rhizome, where the roots would be. Make sure to avoid the roots.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

many thanks, how big should be the new plant, I do not want to take too much or too little, just enough from the big pot to make new bulbo growth, I would love it as a gift to a friend next year.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I would make a division that has at least 5 mature bulbs and 2 - 3 new leads for the strongest, but smallest division.

Smaller is possible, and some members may even disagree with what I said prior, but I like to play it safe. Sometimes Bulbophyllums are not the easiest to establish, depending on the species.

Obviously, the larger the division, the stronger the plant is, and the faster they establish. They are also less prone to crashing.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

This one is Rufinum, the plant is much bigger than my other bulbo's, very similar size to medusae leaves and bulbs, much bigger than Shirley or Sheryl. If you did see the plant, it is pretty big, but I have to check If I do want to cut such a big chunk of it, it is true that we all do love big plants with great show when blooming:-) Many thanks for all the tips!

[CTB]

I just cut off the trailing piece with three bulbs or better, cinnamon my cut and plant. Just spent my week dividing bulbos. had one about that size I made five plants out of. But just to give someone a start the trailing piece will work.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by CTB

I just cut off the trailing piece with three bulbs or better, cinnamon my cut and plant. Just spent my week dividing bulbos. had one about that size I made five plants out of. But just to give someone a start the trailing piece will work.

Thanks CTB, I did check the plant, there is nice 3 bulb piece that is hanging over the basket anyway, so i will cut that one, and mount on nice piece of ghost wood with some moss. I do use cinnamon for all the cuts as well. I think it will be great starter one, and my bulbos are really growing great and fast here in Florida. It will be her first bulbo, so i will still keep it for some months here at my balcony and take care of it, so it will get nicely attached to the wood and start to do it's own think before I will gift it to her:-)