Troubleshooting
Wendland's Bulbophyllum problems — and how to fix them
Wendland's Bulbophyllum (Bulbophyllum wendlandianum) 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 plants dry out very quickly, especially in heated indoor environments. Check moisture daily and mist or dunk the mount as needed. If the roots are shrivelling, increase watering frequency or attach more sphagnum moss to the mount.
Pseudobulb shrivelling from low humidity
When ambient humidity falls below 55%, the small pseudobulbs begin to wrinkle and the leaf tips brown. Raise humidity above 60% using a humidifier or by enclosing the plant in a humid display case.
Scale insects
Hard scale can colonise the pseudobulbs and underside of leaves. Inspect regularly; remove early colonies with a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For established infestations, apply a horticultural oil spray ensuring good coverage.
Prevent wendland's bulbophyllum problems before they start
Most wendland's bulbophyllum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wendland's Bulbophyllum problems — FAQ
Why is my wendland's bulbophyllum root desiccation on mounts?
Mounted plants dry out very quickly, especially in heated indoor environments. Check moisture daily and mist or dunk the mount as needed. If the roots are shrivelling, increase watering frequency or attach more sphagnum moss to the mount.
Why is my wendland's bulbophyllum pseudobulb shrivelling from low humidity?
When ambient humidity falls below 55%, the small pseudobulbs begin to wrinkle and the leaf tips brown. Raise humidity above 60% using a humidifier or by enclosing the plant in a humid display case.
Why is my wendland's bulbophyllum scale insects?
Hard scale can colonise the pseudobulbs and underside of leaves. Inspect regularly; remove early colonies with a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol. For established infestations, apply a horticultural oil spray ensuring good coverage.