Question regarding oncidium

[mattryan]

I hope this isn't something that I need to worry about. My first thought was aphids or some other sap sucking insect. So I have sprayed with an insecticidal soap several times, but now these green spots are showing up on the new growth and I am really worried. I got this orchid about 2 mos ago...so the old brown spots were there before I purchased it. The newest growth didn't have anything on it and it is getting these spots too. Also a couple of the leaves on older growth are turning yellow (outside leaves). I did a repot when I got it but I do see new root growth since the repot. So I am hoping the yellowing leaves are from change of potting material and my culture. It gets full morning and late afternoon sun, potted in bark, fert 30-12-12, full rain water/tap flush atleast 1 per month, will change over to bloom booster then reg fert for rest of the yr. Thanks for the help

[mmursuli]

My oncidiums have those ugly-looking spots too. From what I've read, it's normal--a lot of them tend to have them. It's nothing to worry about. I wouldn't worry about the yellowing leaves either. It's probably old age. Overall, the plant looks healthy

[Paul Mc]

Some orchids have those spots and it's genetic, and other orchids won't have it and it's a sign of other potential issues. But honestly, most of my oncidiums have those spots on them as well, all but a few. I don't think I'd worry about it as long as you have good roots, but perhaps someone more experienced can chime in on what the possibilities are if it's not genetic, just in case.

As for the yellowing of the lower leaves, I also concur that it's probably just age. About this time of year, a lot of the older leaves start doing that a bit. I'd still keep an eye on them to ensure that nothing else is going on, like too much light or overwatering or something similar though.

[silken]

I agree, many oncidium types get those spots. I think they may be worse if there isn't enough moving air and there is water sitting too long on the leaves.

Eventually leaves do turn yellow and fall off. Your pseudobulbs look a tad more wrinkled than they maybe should. But again, depending on the plant, some are quite wrinkled and others are more plump. If the old pdeudobulbs didn't like the re-pot, then they may be wrinkled and newer growths with new roots adapted to the media will be happier and plumper. It looks OK for the most part and your care schedule sounds fine. Hopefully all will be OK. With these, I don't let them completely dry out and use a skewer in most of my pots so I know what's going on down deep. They can feel terribly lightweight and still be wet!

[mattryan]

Thankyou mm, paul and silken for the responces, I feel better already. The pbulbs unfortunately looked like that when I got it. Hopefully I can get them, next growth better. I am using the skewers already, from having phals so I am getting much better at watering. I've learnt 1 thing it's taken my easily 1 yr to get to where next yr I can grow my phals better. Thankyou all for the help. You have changed ths from a hobby to an addiction, but probably the only the good one....rofl

[mmursuli]

i like to think of it as a therapeutic addiction

[Paul Mc]

It is an exceptable form of addiction, thank goodness, lol...