Shriveled Pbulbs on Oncid. Type

[james mickelso]

Heheheh. I had miss nyla kittimus too. She slunk around looking for ways to drive me crazy. And succeeded one more than a handful of occasions. She loved to climb into my most expensive ($2000) bonsai trees and nest. Aaaaaaa!!!!! Then she would come and snuggle with me in the middle of the night.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Heheheh. I had miss nyla kittimus too. She slunk around looking for ways to drive me crazy. And succeeded one more than a handful of occasions. She loved to climb into my most expensive ($2000) bonsai trees and nest. Aaaaaaa!!!!! Then she would come and snuggle with me in the middle of the night.

Yeaaaaaaaah, sounds about right. xD

[Myrle Diefendorf]

. I think Bealleras and Oncidiums do really well in slatted baskets potted in part sphagnum and part small bark. I fertilize once a week weakly and keep the media moist. Can you hang the plant outside and water it with the hose every day or so. I've had this oncidium for focus or five years. It hangs on the porch from March to late October, then comes inside when it is colder.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by Myrle Diefendorf

Attachment 85433. I think Bealleras and Oncidiums do really well in slatted baskets potted in part sphagnum and part small bark. I fertilize once a week weakly and keep the media moist. Can you hang the plant outside and water it with the hose every day or so. I've had this oncidium for focus or five years. It hangs on the porch from March to late October, then comes inside when it is colder.

Unfortunately, I am in an apartment with no balcony =\ I *could* hang it outside under a tree and it's likely that nobody would notice, but I don't want it damaged by the children that play here, squirrels, and the immensely powerful thunderstorms that we get.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Sometimes I will buy a Baggie type oncidium on sale at Lowe's, and it will seem wilted and shriveled. An overnight soak in warm water(whole plant) with a weak fertilizer solution usually brings it back to normal, and then it can be potted in part sphagnum and part small bark, and the media kept moist, not soggy, will then allow it to establish a good root system. The bulbs shrivel when the roots are either rotted or not getting enough water. That is the purpose of pseudo bulbs...to store water and nourishment to help the plant survive drought and harsh conditions.

[butterfly_muse]

Does it hurt he plant to dunk the whole thing for that long? What do you dunk it in? My guy might not even fit into a bucket I've got for mopping, lol!

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Of course I don't know why your little orchid got wilty. If its root rot it won't help. If the problem is lack of water over a period of time then a good soak for a couple hours or over ight in the kitchen sink in tepid water might bring back the turbot of the leaves and perk it up.

---------- Post added at 10:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 PM ----------

My iPad is playing tricks on me. I meant over night, and freshness of the leaves.

[butterfly_muse]

I repotted it and its roots are in very good shape, no rot or anything. I will give it a try...does it matter that I watered it today? Should I wait until it's dry?

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Oncidiums and Bealleras have thin leaves and small roots, so they need a media that never completely dries out. They like it to be slightly damp always, but can withstand considerable drought and mistreatment. They can't take cold wet. Mine are cooler and a little drier in winter as I put them in a greenhouse where they go down to 55 F at night. They don't get watered on cold dreary days, but when it is warm and sunny they do. Try not to water with cold water, but rather tepid. And water early in they day so the roots and media can dry a bit during the day before the colder night, rather than be soggy cold at night.

[butterfly_muse]

What about the water overnight, I'm sure that cools considerably?