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.
Shrivelling pseudobulbs
From drying out too far between waterings. Increase frequency and humidity, especially on mounts in warm conditions, to keep bulbs firm.
Rotting rhizome or roots
Caused by stagnant, waterlogged conditions. Grow mounted or in an open basket, provide airflow, and avoid dense, moisture-holding potting mix.
Sparse flowering
Often too dim or an immature plant. Provide bright shade and warmth, and let the rhizome ramble to build multiple flowering-size growths.
Scale and spider mites
Brown bumps among bulbs or fine stippling on leaves in dry, still air. Raise humidity with air movement and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Prevent lobb's bulbophyllum problems before they start
Most lobb's bulbophyllum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common lobb's bulbophyllum problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Lobb's Bulbophyllum watering schedule
- Lobb's Bulbophyllum light requirements
- Best soil mix for lobb's bulbophyllum
- Lobb's Bulbophyllum temperature & humidity
- Full lobb's bulbophyllum care guide
Looking for lobb's bulbophyllum in general rather than its problems? Read the full lobb's bulbophyllum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lobb's Bulbophyllum problems — FAQ
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum shrivelling pseudobulbs?
From drying out too far between waterings. Increase frequency and humidity, especially on mounts in warm conditions, to keep bulbs firm.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum rotting rhizome or roots?
Caused by stagnant, waterlogged conditions. Grow mounted or in an open basket, provide airflow, and avoid dense, moisture-holding potting mix.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum sparse flowering?
Often too dim or an immature plant. Provide bright shade and warmth, and let the rhizome ramble to build multiple flowering-size growths.
Why is my lobb's bulbophyllum scale and spider mites?
Brown bumps among bulbs or fine stippling on leaves in dry, still air. Raise humidity with air movement and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.