Seeking info on Bulbophyllum medusae

[jmccoy]

I got a Bulb. Medusae a little while ago from Ebay. Arrived fine and healthy and I re-potted it right away and got it under my lights. It seems to be doing fine so far. The larger leaf from the newer bulb is a much brighter green while the older leaf and bulb are much darker. I am not sure why this is. If you know then let me know.

Mainly I am wondering about this orchid is how fast does it grow? What is a blooming size for these. Is there anything special I need to do temp. wise or anything else to get it to bloom once its blooming size.

I think those are my main questions. Thanks.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I don't grow this (yet) but a lot of people here do. I'm pretty sure somebody will contribute soon.

[CTB]

Usually light plays a role in leaf coloring, the more light the lighter the green. I have all my bulbophyllums including medusa in partial shade lighting.
You might try a teaspoon of lime, one of its natural habitats. Usually grows either on lime rock or tops of trees in Thailand. be sure to fertilizer regularly.

[Optimist]

My guess is that the leaf that is light green is closer to the light, or was closer to the light at the green house. If there is no other deformity of damage, it will be okay. Another option is that it is old and about to fall off. Perfectly natural. I am going to get one of these in the spring, can't wait. Apparently they grow fairly quickly in orchid time. From what I have heard a person could have a specimen sized plant in a short time (to me, that means maybe 5 years). Blooming size is often the opinion of the vendor. Usually the vendor will put a little notice in the description whether it is near blooming size, blooming size or what have you. A small plant that is a division may come from a large plant that is blooming size, making the small plant "blooming size." A plant grown from seed or genetic material may be a seedling, but bloom within several years. No matter what, nothing blooms if you do not give it enough "good culture." I have a 5 bulb chirropetalum that I have had for less than a month and it is blooming. I have another 5 bulb division of another species of bulbo. and it is not blooming. They are the same size, so size does not really have much to do with it. Maturity does.

[jmccoy]

I was looking at it again and its achtually the newest growth that is datrker. I do think it was more shaded then the larger older leaf perhaps. Thank you for the replies.

Iv only had it for a month and I didnt have a clear pot to put it in at the time so I am not sure on how the roots are doing. The plant seems fine though. It gets a small amount of fertilizer every time I water or every other time. No new growths yet and unknown on if its blooming size or if its a division or not. I figured its a division. I hope to see some new growth soon. I will try and upload photos as soon as I can figure out how lol.

[Kasiopea]

My experience with bulbos is they can be a bit slow to start but once they get situated in a good environment they grow pretty quick. My medusae just bloomed for the first time, which was quite unexpected. It was a bit of a slow grower, and I couldn't find a good spot for it for a while. But it likes a shady tree and is mounted on coconut fiber. It likes a good amount of water too. I had mine for about a year. Hope you get a bloom soon


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[jmccoy]

Thank you for that. I am watching it like a hawk to see new growth but nothing yet. I am also not seeing anything negative which is good. The two leaves it has look good. Kind of wish I had potted it in a clear pot but I have ran out so I used what I could at the time. I wont repot unless necessary so yeah, oh well. Thank you. If you dont mind posting pictures, I always love seeing these guys. The remind me of the spirit things from the avatar movie. Just love them.