Shriveled Pbulbs on Oncid. Type

[james mickelso]

The old pbulbs are finished with their job. Producing new pbulbs. Now that there is new growth they won't do anything else but distribute their remaining starch/sugar and moisture to the new pbulb. Oncids don't like to be repotted unless everything is perfect. We don't often provide perfect so they sulk. Perfect is warm (80*f) moist but not wet, medium light levels, and lots of air movement especially around the root area. Oncids don't like their roots wet. Just moist. The optimal time to repot oncids is just as the new growth is producing new roots. The roots of oncids are very thin and fragile so when we take the plant from the pot, the roots get minute cracks and bruises along their length. This allows their moisture to leak out so to speak and they get wilted. Unless the new growth is becoming wilted and pleated, the plant is ok. It takes a season to really get them going again. It is imperative that you do not overwater them as the root system has been compromised and the roots can't function normally providing enough water for the plant. And because the root system is dense, water stays underneath longer than normal. Let it dry out thoroughly and then lift the pot and feel how light weight it is. Now water really well, let drain and then lift it again. Feel the difference? It should be very noticeable. Now you know for sure when to water.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

The old pbulbs are finished with their job. Producing new pbulbs. Now that there is new growth they won't do anything else but distribute their remaining starch/sugar and moisture to the new pbulb. Oncids don't like to be repotted unless everything is perfect. We don't often provide perfect so they sulk. Perfect is warm (80*f) moist but not wet, medium light levels, and lots of air movement especially around the root area. Oncids don't like their roots wet. Just moist. The optimal time to repot oncids is just as the new growth is producing new roots. The roots of oncids are very thin and fragile so when we take the plant from the pot, the roots get minute cracks and bruises along their length. This allows their moisture to leak out so to speak and they get wilted. Unless the new growth is becoming wilted and pleated, the plant is ok. It takes a season to really get them going again. It is imperative that you do not overwater them as the root system has been compromised and the roots can't function normally providing enough water for the plant. And because the root system is dense, water stays underneath longer than normal. Let it dry out thoroughly and then lift the pot and feel how light weight it is. Now water really well, let drain and then lift it again. Feel the difference? It should be very noticeable. Now you know for sure when to water.

That's what I had been doing but then it got upset and shriveled up, lol. I have watered it all of 2 times since I've had it for 2.5 weeks...I sincerely hope that's not overwatering.