leaves dropping

[surtees]

sorry forgot to post the picture.

[Island Girl]

Yes, definitely move that Onc. to a smaller pot... Like half that size... If you can't find any pots small enough, then u can make some, with yogurt/pudding cups, old take-out containers, anything etc. just cut lots of holes in the bottom, and sides (either w/ an exacto knife, or a hot instrument (like a screwdriver that's been heated up) to melt holes, drill bit, if the sides are sturdy enough to drill, etc), it needs to drain well, and properly.

It does look like it might be potted too deep... It's hard to tell, but you want the rhizome to be just below the media, by like a centimeter or so (with Catt types, you want it on top of the medium, but with Oncids, I'd say just below that). Someone else may have a better opinion on that tho.

Other than that, I'm kinda an oncidium killer, so I'm not the one to give the best advice... Can give basic advice, but wouldn't feel comfortable giving more than that! Lol Good Luck!

Edit: wanted to add that your Restripia looks good now! With mine, it is planted with the very top roots are showing thru the media, if that gives you a good idea... So I think yours looks good

[Bud]

I call this the ‘cockroach’ orchid….this is endemic to South America cool to cold growing, put it in medium light (even lower than Phals) not bright for it will burn its leaves….this Pleurothallid under cultivation can be able to withstand a large range of temperatures (0-40°C), provided that exposure to the extremes is not prolonged. I am glad that you grow your Restrepia in a temperature-controlled glass enclosure, this orchid needs to be evenly moist but not wet so you are using the correct media for your environment yet make sure it is well draining….you may limit the temperature in summer to a maximum of 30°C by use of an electric humidifier with an oscillating fan to maintain high humidity….if this plant feels too warm it will drop leaves and die….this is a cool growing orchid.

Here is a very informative article By Brian Milligan of the Orchids Society Council of Victoria

Orchid Societies Council of Victoria Inc

[surtees]

don't worry it just turning into spring right now for me and still raining heavily with some days with some bright sun. I have to correct you on the glass enclosure. Its not glass. its the top of a litre plastic soda bottle with the lid cut off to allow air flow. I also have a tray of gravel for the water to flow into if I over water and the extra water helps with humidity. I haven't noticed any more brown leaves as of late, so hopefully the problem has been rectified. I have looked and the soil now is at the very base of the stems, if I move the soil a little I can see the roots. I will look into making a smaller container for the little guy. has any one had a chance to look into my other orchid. I posted a picture in my last post.

[surtees]

I have just found a spare hydroponics pot that might be a good pot for my little orchid. I have posted pictures of them and the dimensions are 6.5cm in diameter and 4 cm deep. what do you guys think?

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by surtees

don't worry it just turning into spring right now for me and still raining heavily with some days with some bright sun. I have to correct you on the glass enclosure. Its not glass. its the top of a litre plastic soda bottle with the lid cut off to allow air flow. I also have a tray of gravel for the water to flow into if I over water and the extra water helps with humidity. I haven't noticed any more brown leaves as of late, so hopefully the problem has been rectified. I have looked and the soil now is at the very base of the stems, if I move the soil a little I can see the roots. I will look into making a smaller container for the little guy. has any one had a chance to look into my other orchid. I posted a picture in my last post.

I answered, in my last post about your Oncidium, I am no expert on them, so can only give limited advice... But, I can definitely tell you that it is over-potted... Read my last post above, it's got what I actually do know, not what I don't.

Edited to add: you might get better advice for your Onc. if you were to give it it's own thread... It would get seen better

[surtees]

Oh, sorry. I just realised you were talking about my other orchid. should I use the same size pot that I proposed to use with my restrepia?

[surtees]

hey guys I just re potted both of my orchids into smaller pots. now they look happier and proportionate to their pot size. I also allowed some root and base to be shown like I was advised. have a look at these pictures. also neither orchid is loosing leaves any more, so that's good news.

[surtees]

oh can any one please tell me what the bulbous base on my orchid in the second picture is for? why does it form?

[vjo]

It stores water and nutrients for the new bulbs that will soon be forming...Jean