Myrmecophila Tibiana - Removing a bad p-bulb

[Cjcorner]

Myrmecophila (schomburgkia) Tibiana is a primary cross of Mcp. tibicinis and Mcp. thomsoniana. I have had this plant for a long time. Recently it has begun to look sad due to a scale infestation and extreme sun levels. One p-bulb was going bad and since it had to be cut off I thought I would show the process. Tibiana p-bulbs are hollow and ants can make these hollow places their homes, storing their food and feeding the plant at the same time.



I sliced open the bad p-bulb to show what it looks like inside. The red cap contains cinnamon to treat the cut.



Here is the gaping hole left after cutting the p-bulb off.



And the hole now liberally treated with cinnamon. I don't just sprinkle the cinnamon as I want to keep it from getting on the surrounding healthy roots as it can dry them out.



You will want to make sure and use a sharp knife since these p-bulbs are tough to cut. It reminds me of celery with the cordlike strings.