Question Bulbophyllum levanae

[sammywolffox]

I have had this orchid for several months. I noticed the the old pseudobulbs (those without leaves) are becoming spongy and/or beginning to rot. The pseudobulbs are not turning black they are simply decomposing. Is this a problem and if so are there suggestions as to what I should be doing-----Thanks.

[walingwaling]

Hi,
highly unlikely that you got a B.levanae, the real one, but i am familiar with this group of section Lepidorhiza. Sounds normal to me, older p-bulbs would simply decompose in the growing process, as long as you have new growths coming up, all good!

[sammywolffox]

Thanks Ron,
The information you provided is appreciated. Your response leads me to ask a question. Why do you doubt that the orchid is a B.levanae? I purchased the orchid at an orchid show and it was tagged B. levanae formerly leysianum. I remember the vendor telling me the nickname was "doggy-do". Over the years I have grown primarily cattleya alliance orchids. A few years Ago I bought a Bulbophyllum to grow in a shaded part of my orchid growing area. The Bulbophyllum did exceptionally well so I have gradually added additional plants. The Bulbos seem to like the conditions that I can provide. I am slowly learning about this genus but I am still a novice---- Thanks again.

[walingwaling]

Hi Dean,
because so many Bulbos in that section are mislabeled, and i have yet to see a 'true" B.levanae, which has no back lobes according to the drawings.
Good, you are growing more Bulbos now, will always be one of my favorites, so i hope...haha.

[sammywolffox]

Thanks again Ron,
When this orchid blooms I will post a picture and you can tell me what I really own! I notice that you are a German expat so I will leave you with my favorite word. To me, this word describes modern society to perfection-----Schlimmbesserung.

[walingwaling]

Hi Dean,
ok deal!
How funny, i've never heard of this word and had to google it, haha. Seems to be a word open for discussion and possibly just a slang. For those who are interested and don't want to google it up, it means something like "worsening a situation by thinking to improve it".