Troubleshooting
Rothschild's Bulbophyllum problems — and how to fix them
Rothschild's Bulbophyllum (Bulbophyllum rothschildianum) 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.
Pseudobulb shrivelling
Indicates under-watering or very low humidity. Increase watering frequency and place on a humidity tray. Check roots are alive and not rotted.
Root rot from overwatering
A soggy medium between waterings rots the fine roots. Allow the top of the medium to approach dryness and ensure excellent drainage.
Scale insects
Check pseudobulbs and leaf bases regularly. Wipe off manually with alcohol and treat with neem oil. Repeat weekly for at least four weeks.
Failure to flower
Often caused by insufficient light or consistently warm nights. Ensure bright indirect light and allow a slight temperature drop of 3-5°C at night in autumn to trigger flowering.
Rhizome rot at mount edge
Occurs when rhizome tips sit in wet medium or directly on a damp surface. Ensure the leading growth point has good airflow.
Prevent rothschild's bulbophyllum problems before they start
Most rothschild's bulbophyllum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Rothschild's Bulbophyllum problems — FAQ
Why is my rothschild's bulbophyllum pseudobulb shrivelling?
Indicates under-watering or very low humidity. Increase watering frequency and place on a humidity tray. Check roots are alive and not rotted.
Why is my rothschild's bulbophyllum root rot from overwatering?
A soggy medium between waterings rots the fine roots. Allow the top of the medium to approach dryness and ensure excellent drainage.
Why is my rothschild's bulbophyllum scale insects?
Check pseudobulbs and leaf bases regularly. Wipe off manually with alcohol and treat with neem oil. Repeat weekly for at least four weeks.
Why is my rothschild's bulbophyllum failure to flower?
Often caused by insufficient light or consistently warm nights. Ensure bright indirect light and allow a slight temperature drop of 3-5°C at night in autumn to trigger flowering.
Why is my rothschild's bulbophyllum rhizome rot at mount edge?
Occurs when rhizome tips sit in wet medium or directly on a damp surface. Ensure the leading growth point has good airflow.