Oncidium problems

[Wye]

I am an obvious beginner and a brand new member, with an ocidium problem. New leaves are coming in pleated, accordian like. I assume this is caused by being too dry. Can someone advise. Thanks

[Anisa]

You are right - pleated leaves mean you keep it too dry. If you oncidium is healthy otherwise increasing watering frequency should help.

[Wye]

Thank you, I recently moved it from a very "airy" pot, figuring it was drying too quickly. Should I water it a little more, and will the leaves recuperate?

[Zoi2]

The leaves won't ever "expand", they'll stay wrinkled but new ones will come out correctly with more water. How often are you watering and what potting media are you using?
Joann

[Wye]

I had originally potted it in an orchid potting mix and used an outer glazed ceramic pot that had many holes around the sides and on the bottom. I had read that roots didn't like to be too wet and thought this would help dry out the medium more quickly. I guess it did, but too quickly. I have now repotted in a plastic pot hoping this may help.

[Anisa]

You will find lots of advices of how to pot orchids in this forum and internet generally. However everyone has different micro climates in their growing are and have different watering habits. What works for some one may not work for you.
If your orchids are doing fine leave them as they are. If they are getting rot or fungus then you have a problem to deal with.

[Paul Mc]

One note, you mentioned "orchid potting mix" and I am wondering if this was something you bought at Lowes or Home Depot packaged by Miracle Gro or someone else.

The reason I'm wondering this is because while they market it as being for orchid's, it tends to only be suitable for terrestrial orchids and not for oncidiums. Once the mix starts to decompose and retain water better, it typically begins to get very heavy. While I admit I've used it in the past, I do not anymore and almost lost several of my orchids before I realized what the issue might have been.

As previously stated, there are many types of medium that people use, as well as potting techniques, watering schedules, fertilizing, etc... Ultimately, it boils down to you keeping a watchful eye over your orchids in your environment for clues as to what you need to do. Once you've gotten it figured it, they are relatively easy.

You might want to check out RePotme.com's potting mediums to get an idea of what would be acceptable potting mixes for your particular plant. Again, everyone does something different though.

I also use the ceramic glazed pots with the perforated holes in them. Many people feel that they do not adequately let air through them on a side note. However, I have still yet to encounter a problem using them.

[Wye]

Thanks Paul, I had wondered about the potting mix. I had bought it from Rona's (similar store as Home depot) and it is a brand name, messy and after rinsing few times, still lots of sediments. I will go to the site you mention and hopefully find better mix. I have been keeping and eye on my plant, and it doesn't seem as happy as I would want it to so I have to try something else. Thanks.

[Paul Mc]

One thought about mixes, often times I make my own. I buy the components from various places like local gardening shops and Lowes or Home Depot. Then I mix it according to what I see or can find recipe wise. Sometimes the AOS culture sheets have information on the appropriate mix, sometimes they don't.

[Wye]

Holy geez, really confusing. I've picked up books and gone to sites, and find either info is limited or too complicated. But I do enjoy the challenge and love the flower, if only my orchids would give me some. Merci