my nelly isler

[Eyebabe]

A quick google search of this plant took me to orchidweb where it states the humidity requirement of this oncidium intergeneric plant is AT LEAST 50%.
That is a tall order for a home environment.
I'd say the simplest most effective way is to put some sphag in the bark media like silken suggested or get creative and make up a mix (repotme.com). The media needs to be airy but moist and the watering schedule should be just shy of a full wet/dry cycle.

The only other thing that will get you 50% or higher humidity in the home is a terrarium....unless it is high humidity outdoors and you have all your windows open
Thank you for this post btw, I learned a ton!

[WhiteRabbit]

I've had a good deal of success having oncidium types recover after rotting roots - the pbulbs will likely shrivel a good deal, but that's their job, to support the plant in times like these.

Where I live, humidity can be quite low in summer, and I haven't had problems with it as longs as the roots are happy in the pot. Tho a warm, high humidity arrangement can definitely help when the plant is in this condition - as well as keeping the plant out of direct sun (warm, shady spot).

I use coconut husk chips as the main ingredient in potting mix for my onc intergenerics - moister and airier than bark, airier and much longer lasting than sphag, I've also found most of them love a small over-turned net pot in the bottom center of the pot, or some styro tucked into the root mass.

two of my actual Oncidiums (Twinkle, and a similar type noid) like to get dry in-between waterings, but my Sharry Baby, and all my Onc alliance inter-generics seem to prefer to NOT dry out - not sure where Burrageara falls into this - I'm sure others can advise.

gl

[sii]

Okay, so I'm going to have another crack at this.

I repotted the nelly isler into a clear pot. I had some spaghnum moss and coco husk and bark, so I mixed a little of each. Take a look at my potting. Did I do it right?

I'm also going to try to terraium route.

I put the nelly isler with my newly acquired green monkey into this terrarium. I added some rocks. Don't know how much water should be sitting at the bottom.

I'll keep it in this room with the east window, but move it back so it doesn't get alot of sun.

I don't know...is this better?

Thanks for all the input. I'm feeling a little better.

[WhiteRabbit]

looks like a plan! the plant actually looks nice, I think it will likely rebound well! Make sure the pots aren't sitting in any water in the tank.

After new growth starts, and they have grown a bit, they will start growing roots. Once you have a bit of root growth (doesn't even need to be a whole lot), you should be fine to take it out of the tank. Try using a bamboo skewer in the pot to check for moisture, to help prevent over, and under watering.

[sii]

Thanks WhiteRabbit! I'll keep an eye on it.

[silken]

Yes, it looks good. And as WhiteRabbit says, the plant looks relatively healthy. I agree, the skewer method is a good way to go. Don't forget some K-L-N might be useful at this time too. Hope the blooms work out too!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by sii

Thanks WhiteRabbit! I'll keep an eye on it.

let us know how it goes!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by silken

Yes, it looks good. And as WhiteRabbit says, the plant looks relatively healthy. I agree, the skewer method is a good way to go. Don't forget some K-L-N might be useful at this time too. Hope the blooms work out too!

I picked up the tip about the skewers here on OB a couple of years ago, and my orchids have done sooooo much better since I've been using them! I have some orchids that are water hogs, or at the very least seem difficult to over-water, but for the rest of them, the skewers have been extremely helpful!

[nenella]

I agree with giving it a soak in KLN! I'm sure you will get new roots like this. Good Luck!

[sii]

Don't have KLN. Would anything else work?

I have Schultz fertilizer or liquid seaweed?