Troubleshooting
Lobb's Bulbophyllum problems — and how to fix them
Lobb's Bulbophyllum (Bulbophyllum lobbii) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root desiccation on mounts
Mounted specimens dry out quickly in low humidity or heated rooms; increase misting frequency or move to a more humid microclimate.
Pseudobulb shrivelling
Shrivelled, soft pseudobulbs indicate insufficient watering or damaged root systems unable to supply moisture.
Fungal rot at pseudobulb base
Stagnant moisture around the base of pseudobulbs in poorly ventilated conditions encourages Botrytis and bacterial rot.
Spider mites
Fine stippling on leaf undersides in hot, dry indoor conditions; increase humidity and improve air circulation.
Slow rhizome spread stalling
Insufficient warmth (below 18°C) slows rhizome extension and new pseudobulb production; maintain warm temperatures year-round.
Prevent lobb's bulbophyllum problems before they start
Most lobb's bulbophyllum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Lobb's Bulbophyllum problems — FAQ
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum root desiccation on mounts?
Mounted specimens dry out quickly in low humidity or heated rooms; increase misting frequency or move to a more humid microclimate.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum pseudobulb shrivelling?
Shrivelled, soft pseudobulbs indicate insufficient watering or damaged root systems unable to supply moisture.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum fungal rot at pseudobulb base?
Stagnant moisture around the base of pseudobulbs in poorly ventilated conditions encourages Botrytis and bacterial rot.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum spider mites?
Fine stippling on leaf undersides in hot, dry indoor conditions; increase humidity and improve air circulation.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum slow rhizome spread stalling?
Insufficient warmth (below 18°C) slows rhizome extension and new pseudobulb production; maintain warm temperatures year-round.