Help me help my Oncidium!!!!

[Jonatan]

I'm having a hard time with my oncidium, it grows in a straight line and I must repot it every now and then since it keeps poping out of the pot. Slipperhead wrote a article about dividing Cattleyas, does anyone know it that can be done to Oncidiums and therefore give some new life to my plant. It has about 5 or 6 pseudobulbs, although some don't even have any leaves and are all shrivelled.

[Alexis in Redland]

I wouldn't repot it - you need at least 3 pbulbs for a viable division, and even more pbulbs is better. i.e. the more growths, the stronger the plant, better roots, better flowering, etc.

When you repot, do you place the oldest growth against the back rim of the pot, allowing room for at least 2 new growths to advance toward the center or far rim of the pot? A 5 or 6 growth Onc isn't what I would consider a big plant - they can get quite large.

My 2 cents...

[Ross]

I agree. I have a couple with at least 9 pbulbs. Just get a big basket/pot meant for waterlilies (they are wide and shallow) and repot until you get a HUGE plant! Maybe it will send out multiple growths that way.

[Jonatan]

Thanks for your help.
Do you think that the bulbs without leaves are dormant or dead?

[Jonatan]

Is there anything I can do to encourage new growth? Are my bulbs are wrinkled cause they are not getting enough water?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm starting out, and I don't want to loose another orchid.

[Alexis in Redland]

The pbulbs without leaves provide food for the plant, so don't remove them. They will not regrow leaves, but they are a benefit to your orchid. Once the plant becomes very large and healthy, you can remove backbulbs if they become unsightly.

You said you've had to repot a number of times, so I assume you've seen the roots. Ironically, both overwatering and underwating can cause the bulbs to shrivel, so it's important to know the condition of the roots. If they are firm and white, then they are fine, and the plant is likely being underwatered. If they are mushy and brown, they are rotting from too much water. What's your potting medium? Also, orchids don't like to be repotted, and they will sulk for a while. If you've recently done this, it may be a while before it shows signs of renewed life. Make sure the orchid is stable in its pot, and cannot wiggle. This damages the roots, and root problems lead to shriveled pbulbs.

It's winter, and you're in Canada, so (1) your plants are probably suffering from a lack of humidity, which contributes to dessication; and (2) there's not much you can do to encourage new growth until the sun gods decide to venture closer to your region of the world.

Alexis