Oncidium?

[unique562]

I'm not sure what this is but i think its a Oncidium. Its growing new leafs and roots but the old part is doing nothing. I've had it for 2 years and nothing. When I bought it two of the main leafs were cut off. I was just wondering if the old part gets new spikes and blooms or if I should cut it?

Also have a Phal. has not bloomed in 3 years. I have it in a clay pot. I have a tray with water in it for humidity. Anything I can do to help it

[Helen]

I noticed your oncidium (yes it is, I have one too) leaf is pleated. Here's some info I have on this condition:

If you own an orchid from the oncidium alliance (Miltonias, Brassias, Oncidiums, etc.) and the leaves are wrinkled (also called acordion pleating) you have a humidity problem. The air around the plant is not humid enough, or there is not enough water getting to the plant, either from underwatering or a root problem. Rotted roots cause the same symptoms as an underwatered plant as the roots are not carrying water to the plant.

While the plant may recover, the leaves will be permanently pleated.

Hope this info is useful. Do you use fertilizer? Is it in a bright window?

[Tindomul]

Sure is an Oncidium. Your Phal looks good. Don't let the pot media come into contact with the water in the humidity tray. Just water it when it starts to get dry, and never let water accumulate in the leaves.

[smartie2000]

Oncidium leaves get pleated because there isn;t enough moisture.
Looking at the picture I don't think it is blooming size yet.

[orcdfrk]

For your phal I would place it where it would cool off at night for about 6 weeks or so. I've had success by just moving it into our bedroom (wife likes the window open just a bit at night). You're into spring I would imagine and shouldn't have to worry about freezing temps. Phals need to nighttime temp drop to initiate spikes.

[Lagoon]

I don't feel your plants are geting enough water, that's not alot of growth for 2 and 3 years.
Is that spanish moss I see in the phal??

[unique562]

Thats only part of the oncidium. The other part is much bigger. Its only Spanish moss on top of the Phal. My oncidium is planted in Spanish moss is that a bad thing?

[randy98745]

The phal may also need more light to spike. Notice how the newer leaves are thinner and longer than the older ones? I had one like that which wasnt getting enough light. When i put it in a brighter spot the leaves went back to the original size and shape and it flowered after that.

[Shadow]

Your problem with the oncidium leaf may be due to the low air humidity.

[Ray]

Spanish moss is OK as a medium if you live in a tropical environment and you're willing to replace it about every other month, but for most of us, it's terrible.

What formula, at what concentration, and how often are you feeding the plants? I ask because the color of the phals leaves is a bit on the "emerald" side, suggesting too much nitrogen.

Also, blooming in phals will be slowed, if not altogether prevented, by growing them too warm year round.