Oncidium care

[Edwin Reffell]

Hello,

Today I was given an Oncidium because it has not bloomed again. It has cascades of small yellow flowers when it blooms. How do I give it optimal care and get it to bloom? Enclosed is a jpg of it.Thank you for helping.

Kind regards,
Edwin

[Skayc1]

I just got an Oncidium myself, and from reading up on them, they only bloom from new pbulbs. I would like to know more about their care as well. I do know from what I've been told is that the outside part of the planter will dry before the center & that the center can get fungus if over-watered. that you can tell when it needs watering by how heavy it is. It needs alot of indirect light.

[silken]

Oncidiums usually need more light than Phals. Don't let them go completely dry but not soggy wet either. That's why keeping them in a smaller pot helps, so the centre can get close to dry too before it is watered again. They bloom from new pseudobulbs, usually from between the bulb and the main leaf that lies against it. Intermediate temps will likely be good although there are some that prefer cool temps. There are so many hybrids , most of them are rather tolerant. Many don't bloom until the growth is mature but some bloom before it is. Hard to tell which yours will be since it is a large orchid group. The roots are fine compared to Phals and Cattleyas so they can rot easily if left too wet. I like to place a kebab skewer in the pot and I pull it out to see how wet or dry the centre of the pot is before I water.

[james mickelso]

All very good information. Follow it and your oncidium will flourish. Watering is the most critical. If the roots are stressed at all it will not bloom and could die back. I would like to see some more pics of this oncidium. The top of the potting mix, the side so we can see the roots, and the bases of the current pbulbs so I can tell you how mature the newest pbulb is. Oncidiums normally mature a pbulb and then rest awhile before spiking. Usually one per pbulb but if healthy and content, two. If you hold your hand between the pot and the light source it is in the shadow should be fairly diffuse. No sharp edges. let it dry out for a couple of days and lift it up. Feel how light it is. Now water the heck out of it, let it drain for a few minutes and then lift it again. Feel how heavy it is now. When it becomes light weight again, water it. Oncidiums are sensitive to water quality. They like water that is low in dissolved solids like salts. Give them good culture, which is very easy to learn and provide, and they will flower reliably for years to come.

[NYCorchidman]

I think the light looks bright enough for your plant in the picture if that is the spot where you place it.

I think I see nearly flat pbs and some leaves that show the result of dehydration.

You want to water this plant really good while it is in growth mode. sever underwatering can cost flowers.

Also, when did it last bloom? Many flowers only once a year while many blooms more often. It depends on the variety.

[Edwin Reffell]

Thank you all for answering. Enclosed are the pictures you requested.They are jpg taken with my webcam.The friend who gave me this Oncidium yesterday morning said he watered it just before. I sprayed the top of the bark it is potted in yesterday using a fine mist. Is it okay to do so daily? Should I mist the leaves and bulbs? Later I shall check to see if it needs more water as you have described. I do not know when this Oncidium last bloomed. It was most certainly at least a year since. To give it more light than Phaleonopsis I have placed it on my windowsill facing south and shall move it when there is bright sunshine.

[james mickelso]

Normally I don't repot oncidiums until the new growth has produced roots. But this needs repotting now. There is probably an orchid club near you that could assist you in repotting this correctly. It isn't difficult to repot an oncidium. If there isn't a club or someone near you who could assist you then we can help. Let is know.

[Edwin Reffell]

Thank you. I would very much value your advice on how to repot the Oncidium. I have bark medium for orchids and terracotta balls but no sphagnum moss. Since the moss retains much water I am wary of growing any orchids in it. One of my phaleonopsis got crown rot due to wrong watering but has survived. I do not know of any orchid clubs here.

[clusty]

I've been reading Oncidiums are mostly challenging due to their rest period needs.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but they need a cool dry spell of about 1-2 months to bloom.

[WhiteRabbit]

I've been reading Oncidiums are mostly challenging due to their rest period needs. <br />
Please correct me if I am wrong, but they need a cool dry spell of about 1-2 months to bloom.

There may be some that require a rest but none that I know of ... at least none of mine have. I had my first successes in reblooming orchids with Oncidiums and Onc alliance intergenerics.