What exactly does the pseudobulb of an orchid mean?

All orchid family plants grow pseudobulbs. The pseudobulb of an orchid refers to the main stem part that has evolved into a spherical state. Leaves grow on top of the pseudobulb; the number and shape of the leaves are determined by the orchid variety. Since varieties differ, there are usually 4 to 7 leaves, or even 9. The pseudobulb is wrapped around by the bracts of the basal leaves, usually 5 to 7 of them, and inside the bracts grow very small adventitious lateral buds. After these lateral buds undergo gestation, differentiation and growth, they will grow into leaf buds or flower buds. The root system of the orchid grows at the lower end of the pseudobulb.

Each plump, vigorous pseudobulb usually has 6 to 8 to 10 roots, varying in number. The thickness, degree of curvature and whether the roots branch are also determined by the variety. Each pseudobulb is connected to the next by a very thin and very short horizontally growing rhizome.

The pseudobulb of an orchid plays a very important role in the orchid's growth, reproduction, flowering and nutrient storage; it is practically the orchid's reserve warehouse. Orchid plants with fresh, robust, large and round pseudobulbs often have the characteristics of glossy green leaves, thick roots and many new shoots and flower spikes. Therefore, to grow orchids well, the first thing is to keep the orchid plant robust so that it sprouts early every year, and to let the pseudobulbs of the new shoots grow round, full and plump; only then will the pseudobulbs grow more and more robust roots.