Oncidium alliance mature Pseudobulb

[Brad]

Hi all,

I have a question Regarding orchids in the Oncidium alliance or any alliance for that matter, that bloom on a mature pseudobulb... What is the "window" for that bulb to bloom? Say the condions for the plant are perfect, but what If the mature bulb starts to get new growths, instead of a spike, have I missed the chance for the mature bulb to bloom? Or are mature bulbs that haven't bloomed like "money in the bank", and may/will bloom later even if they have started growing new bulbs of their own?
Thanks in advance

[Gage]

All of the above. Some Oncidiums bloom on maturing pseudobulbs, others only once it has fully matured and even with new growth. Most of mine start to show spike soon after the pseudobulb shows itself. Some may bloom later. Some may bloom from one side of the psb, and later from the other. Hope this helps.

[silken]

As Gage mentioned, it varies. Some are showing spikes before full maturity, others need to be mature and a good size before spiking and others are spiking with new growths developing as well. I have never had one develop spikes long after the new growths it produced are well on their way to maturity. That's usually the end of my hope for blooms from it. Maybe others have but I would say you would then start looking to the new growths for spikes.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Do you have a specific plant you are wondering about?
Joann

[Brad]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Do you have a specific plant you are wondering about?
Joann

Thanks!
No plant in particular, I have quite a few oncidiums, among other orchids in my greenhouse. It's heated and has light for the winter. I have lux meters for light/ foot candle measurements, tds meters for measuring fertz ppm measurements, digital humidty and temp controls, don't get me wrong, I'm sure things aren't perfect for all but between the mirco climates ive created, things aren't off by much, but sometimes bulbs just don't spike.
I guess I'm just hoping for a 100% bloom rate, (meaning at least one spike per bulb) which may be a little high.
What percentage do you guys get on oncidium and their hybrids? 2/3 bulbs spiking? 5/6 bulbs spiking? 1/2, etc, etc.
Does anyone cut back on water as bulbs mature, to... For lack of a better word, stress them into spiking? I've tried this on some but not on others, and have mixed results either way.

-Brad