Here are some suggestions on how to grow healthy plant by Bill Thoms
(from his talk on Bulbophyllums at the SWFOS meeting on October 9, 2018)
- Water your plants from all sides, not just the front or back. With bulbophyllums, he recommended keeping them wet for a longer time by putting them in shallow trays which helps to hold the water and fertilizer.
- Maintain good fresh air flow.
- Water before you fertilize. You won’t use as much fertilizer and the plants will absorb the fertilizer better. Feed your plants EVERY WEEK, using ½ the recommended amount on the label of your fertilizer.
- Bright shade is best for bulbophyllums.
- For bulbophyllums, grow in shallow, wide plastic pots. Also, grow on horizonal mounts.
- If you’re going to spray pesticides or fungicides, do it when it’s cool to prevent leaf damage. In our area, this means you should spray in the late afternoon or early evening
- He recommended the following for pests and insects:
- Slugs and snails – slug baits
- Roaches chewing flowers – Raid House & Garden
(check plants several hours after sundown for bugs)
- Other insects – Neem Oil (add Palmolive soap to mix)
- Epson Salt – 1 tsp/gal monthly
Primary source: Dr. Martin Motes
