I do not understand trichopilia orchids. What do they want from me?

[BrassavolaStars]

Hello all,

I have four Trichopilia orchids. One small tortilis, a very large hennisiana, and two suavis.

For the past year or so, all they do is grow progressively smaller bulbs and lose backbulbs. The suavis is particularly bad about growing smaller new growth.

These are some of the orchid species that I have been anticipating the flowers the most. I have always heard Trichopilia orchids are amazingly fragrant and the photos I’ve seen have looked outstanding.

Sadly, I have never seen (or smelled) a Trichopilia in bloom in real life. Having a blooming Trichopilia is one of my orchid bucket list experiences. Unfortunately, mine aren’t cooperating.

What am I doing wrong? I know they are supposed to be like oncidiums. Then again, I have a hard time getting oncidiums outside of miltoniopsis to bloom. I am not sure I’ve ever rebloomed a non-miltoniopsis or psychopsis oncidium. That being said, I have very few oncidiums so the sample size is small.

In terms of culture, I have the Trichopilia orchids growing in either small bark or moss in warm conditions with moderate light. They also get weak fertilizer weekly.

I sometimes wish oncidiums were as easy to bloom as cattleyas, dens, or vandas.