New Growth on Old Pseudobulb. First Orchids Are Growing!

[Stevie_White]

So when I got my first orchid it was great, and I was very excited. Fast forward 3 months and I had 6 orchids (4 phals and 2 oncidiums). They have all started growing; 2 phals have new leaves growing, and the other 2 have new roots developing. One oncidum has a new growth that is just starting, but I'm most excited and curious about the last one.

It has 4 new growths developing from 3 of the pseudobulbs, including the oldest (seedling?) bulb. I'm wondering if that's very common. Do oncidiums usually produce so many pseudobulbs at once? I noticed it when I unpotted the orchid to check for dead roots that hadn't adapted to the new medium when I repotted it after I got it. There were quite a few which probably explains the wrinkling on the pseudobulbs.

I have it potted in a self-watering pot using a mix of leca with a generous amount of sphagnum moss because I know oncidiums don't like to get very dry.

Side Note: The picture of the flowers are from months ago before they dropped.

[Roberta]

Congratulations! That looks like one happy plant - and a well-grown Oncidium can definitely do that. When it blooms, you will probably get multiple spikes, and a spectacular show! I see more orchids in your future.

[ArronOB]

Originally Posted by Stevie_White

It has 4 new growths developing from 3 of the pseudobulbs, including the oldest (seedling?) bulb. I'm wondering if that's very common. Do oncidiums usually produce so many pseudobulbs at once? I noticed it when I unpotted the orchid to check for dead roots that hadn't adapted to the new medium when I repotted it after I got it. There were quite a few which probably explains the wrinkling on the pseudobulbs.

I have about 50 Oncidium type orchids in my collection, mostly complex hybrids like yours. Looking at them, the ratio of those that produce one new lead per pseudobulb to those which produce two is about 50/50.

I’ve always wondered if better-grown plants are more likely to produce two leads but I’ve never seen any evidence for it. I believe therefore it is primarily genetic.

Anyway, it is looking good, and I’d leave the roots alone.

Oncidium type orchids are very easy to grow if your conditions suit and those that produce two new leads per ps. can become a specimen size plant very quickly.

Cheers

[estación seca]

I agree. You are doing very well with it.