Back-bulb: The older, leafless portion of a sympodial orchid’s pseudobulb.
In orchid growing, back-bulbs are a fascinating part of the plant’s structure. Orchids in the sympodial growth habit, unlike monopodial orchids, grow in a series of connected, thickened stems called pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb typically produces leaves and flowers for a time, then eventually becomes leafless. This older, leafless pseudobulb is what’s referred to as a back-bulb.
While they may look like they’re past their prime, back-bulbs are not dead. They store energy and can be used to propagate new orchid plants. Gardeners can separate back-bulbs from the main plant and, under the right conditions, they can produce new shoots and roots, essentially starting a new plant. It’s a great way to expand your orchid collection!
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