Repotting Onc

[mattryan]

I am hoping that I haven't posted this in the wrong spot. But I am in need of some advice. I just purchased this oncidium today it is Gower Ramsey 'Lemon Heart' and I am wondering if I must wait until the blooms are finished before I repot. The bulbs seem really shrivelled or it this normal for this type of onc? Also it is potted in sphagg and I am really afraid of overwatering, do they like drier conditions or not to dry out? I have my other oncidium repotted (in bark mix) as it was out of bloom when I got it and it is outside. It's bulbs and leaves are alot thicker than this new one and it also is growing new roots. Thanks for any help.

[zxyqu]

I have a Gower Ramsey type myself, so hopefully I can help a bit. First of all, what does the newest bulb look like? Is it nice and plump, or shriveled? The main bulb I can see in the pic is quite shriveled, but it could be older, and some Oncs do tend to do this (though my older bulbs are that shriveled). It looks like there may be some good new roots out of the newest bulb, is that the case? Also, do you see any new signs of a new growth and/or roots growth occuring? If so, repotting may not be out of the question, otherwise I'd wait.
Mine does prefer a bark with a little sphag mix, but that's just mine. You're also right, these in my hands like to approach dryness before watering, so in straight sphag, you may need to wait 10 days or so for it to dry out.

[FairyInTheFlowers]

I agree with what zxyqu said. It is normal for the older p'bulbs to shrivel a bit, but as I don't grow this type, I don't know how much is normal and how much shows that it is lacking water. Iq so agree that if it is growing new roots, it should be fine to repot it, but make sure to be carful of any actively growing roots. One thing though, if you are moving it from straight sphag into a bark mixture, the move could stress it, as that will be taking it from a mix that is evenly moist and drying, to a mix that can be quite erratic in moisture levels. Because of this, it might get a little more shriveled until it gets adapted to whatever medium you put it in. By the way, it's great to see another Canadian member on the forum!

[mattryan]

Thanks for the replies, not to come off as a complete dork (only second onc first time with a blooming 1) is the newest growth the pbulb with the flower? If so yes there are some growing tips cannot see the other pbulbs because they are further in the sphagg. All the pbulbs to varying degrees are shrivelled. If I wait til after blooms have dropped will it set back this onc? Should I wait til next spring to repot or after summer still ok? Up here I'm afraid it won't dry out soon enough. I did water it today it was moist in middle of pot, but bone dry through rest. Now sorry for all the questions, but I'm used to growing phals and still learning with the other orchid types I'm acquiring. Thankyou for all your help. Yes Cody it's great to see fellow canadians..made me realize that orchids can be grown up here.

[sii]

Once you've mastered phals and oncidium, you should try some other types of orchids.

With this heat and humidity we've been having, I'm sure the orchids are just loving it here.

[mattryan]

Lol Sii...my hubby said only 50 and I'm up to 48...But I have manged to spread out a bit 2 cyms, 1 slipper, 2 reed stem epi's, 2 onc. the rest phals...Having hard time finding spots for them..let alone hiding em ))

[sii]

Mine do well by my east window on my desk. They get mornign sun until about noon. But if it gets to hot, I can lower the blind.

48!! My hubby would just die!! I have 6 phals, 1 mini phal, 2 oncidium, 2 dens and 1 stubborn catt. I'd like a greenhouse one day....