Mtdm. Paul’s Pride Severe Dehydration

[OrchidNewbie101]

I was gifted this oncidium by a retailer when I bought two new orchids
I own other oncidiums and they dehydrate easily but I didn’t notice how poorly hydrated this one was, is it doomed? Should I repot? Media recommendations? I am totally at a loss because the bulbs are nearly paper thin now but it is in bloom

[OrchidNewbie101]

These are the photos!

[Roberta]

I think that it is very much alive. And probably DOES need repotting. These like to stay fairly damp, so small bark would be my choice - drains well but holds moisture. There are quite a few members of the Board who grow in semi-hydro with excellent success - it might also be a good choice for you, I am sure that some will check in. Best time for repotting is when new growth is starting... if you just increase the watering for now, you could wait for that to start. The pseudobulbs won't plump up, but the plant will appreciate the extra water.

[BobcatJohnson]

I agree with most of what Roberta said however...

Originally Posted by Roberta

Best time for repotting is when new growth is starting...

I only have one mtdm. not the same as yours. With the one I have, the new roots didn't start to grow until the new growth was significant size, much larger than most of my other oncidium orchids. Because I repotted when the new growths were small, and disturbed the root system before it was ready to grow new ones, I set it back and the two growths that were forming were very stunted. The plant did recover from that incident, but took another set of growths before I saw flowers again.

The best time for repotting is when the new growth is beginning to make roots. Too early and you risk setting it back. Too late and you risk damaging the new root tips.

Another thing you might try...
It has been my experience that most of my oncidium orchids will not start a new growth while it is also supporting a flower spike. You may want to cut the flowers now to encourage a new eye to begin swelling sooner rather than later.

[estación seca]

Yes, it's dessicated, but not fatally. I think it's healthy enough to support the flowers until they fall naturally. If the plant were severely water stressed the flowers would not have opened. Like Roberta said the old pseudobulbs will never be shiny and smooth, but they might improve.

I agree with waiting to repot for new roots. Do it within a day or two of first seeing them. If they get too long you will damage them.

Where do you live? I grow Oncidiums in semi-hydroponics. They do extremely well for me. If your house is quite cool for the winter this might not work so well, but if you live in a warm area, it helps cool the roots during the summer.

[OrchidNewbie101]

I am in south Florida and they are outside! So right now it’s varying between 50s and 70s!

[estación seca]

It should be OK at those temperatures.