water, water everywhere but does the orchid need a drink?

[DebbieW]

[ATTACH][/ATTACH]
I'm wondering if the cattalaya photos above show a plant in need of water. The bulbs are shriveled. Does that mean they're lacking water or should I leave them alone? I live in south florida and my orchids are on an orchid bench outside.

[cbuchman]

The plant does look dehydrated. The question is whether it is dehydrated from lack of water or from lack of roots to take up the water. Can you check the roots easily?

[DebbieW]

I've attached another photo of the root system, as far as is visible and I don't think it's for lack of roots that the bulbs are shriveled. We haven't had rain her for a while and because I've been told to not pay too much attention to orchids and that they do best when left alone I haven't really been watering it.

[mattryan]

Left alone doesn't mean neglect them. Unless they need a winters rest and even then they still need water, just not as much as if they were actively growing. They look very dehydrated to me. The bulbs are for storage if there was a drought. They definitely need a good watering then allow the meadium to dry somewhat, but not bone dry. Good luck

Cheryl

[Brooke]

Were you told this was a Cattleya or did it come with a name tag? The pbulbs don't look like any Catts I've ever seen. Can you post a pic of the entire plant?

Brooke

[james mickelso]

If they are in this condition, here is what I would do. Repot this oncidium. Yes this is an oncidium and could probably be repotted in new mix. What does the other side look like? Are there any new growths over there? Regardless it could use a repot. Do not disturb the roots any more than needed. A medium bark with perhaps a little spagnum moss chopped up and mixed in with the bark. Just lift it out of the pot, shake gently, and place back in the same pot but with new media. Then water really good. Feel how heavy the pot and plant are. Remember this weight and in a few days, lift it up and notice how light it is. Water again. Every time you water you'll notice it take a little longer to lighten up. Oncidiums don't like to be dry. Barely wet is ok but not dry and other than when you water, they don't like to be wet either. Damp is good. They tend to get root rot if kept wet. Loose roots if too dry for awhile. Please post pics of the other side so I can see what the newer growth looks like. Oncidiums grow this way. They put out new growths from the older pbulbs and these grow until near maturity then put out roots. As they elongate(grow) they feed off the stored sugars and starches stored in the older pbulbs. That is why they get wrinkly. And smaller in size. Oncidium roots are thin and damage easlity. They don't like to stay wet for any length of time. They like a moderate light and cool to tepid but not warm. They should be a light green. Feed every watering with a weak fertilizer. If your fertilizer says 1/4 teaspoon cut that in half. When the newest pbulb is nice and fat and has grown a good root system, switch your fertilizer to one that has more phosphorus and potassium with less nitrogen. A bloom booster. First Rays sell a good fertilizer. You can find him here often.

[james mickelso]

Also when it is out of the pot, carefully tear off the dried old sheaths from around the base of the pbulbs. CAREFULLY. Bugs like scale and mites like spiders love to hide out under these and suck the plant dry before you know it. I use tweezers to get them loose and then tear them off with my fingers.