Oh no, Oncidium!! Need watering instructions.

[Piao Liang]

Hi,
My friend gave me yesterday another unknown orchid to me (Oncidium) since he saw me struggling with the other one (Cymbidium)
Unfortunately for me, it is not a Phal and I am lost!
The pot is not transparent and I cannot judge from the roots. As the medium was kind of dry and the instructions say that I shouldn't let it dry, I watered it today. It also says that I should spray it frequently. Should I do that? I never do that with my Phals.
I would like to repot it ASAP as I am sure that the roots are with sphagnum like the other one but it is in bloom!
Please help! I don't want to kill it like the other one.

[orchidsarefun]

that doesn't look like a cym to me - the bulbs are too smooth and the foliage is "wrong". However I learn something new every day, so can you post a flower picture so we can be 100% sure ?

[Piao Liang]

You are right, it is an Oncidium. This just shows my ignorance concerning these type of orchids!!
Sorry!

[Piao Liang]

Here is a picture of the flowers:

There are many buds.

[orchidsarefun]

currently its in good condition - new growths, unpleated leaves and plump bulbs. I wouldn't repot it.
However, depending on your humidity levels, you should water it at least 1x per week. The best way to tell if it needs to be watered is to let it dry for a few days. Then thoroughly water until water pours out the bottom - probably at least a 1/2 gallon of water. Lift it and get the feel and weight of a well-watered plant. Water it again when you lift it and it is much lighter in weight, "dry". This sounds complicated but you soon get the hang of it and this method also is a foolproof way not to overwater. Pleated leaves are a sign of root rot or underwatering - if the new leaves start to pleat, then you have to see what the problem is.

[Piao Liang]

Thank you for your answer.
Do you mist your Oncidium? And if you do, how do you do it and how often?

[orchidsarefun]

I don't...you should see if you can keep the bulbs plump. If not you can mist early morning only.

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[Piao Liang]

How often do you water your Oncidium?

[RandomGemini]

It depends a lot on your conditions. If it's really humid where you live, then you might only need to water yours once a week. If the air is very dry, you might have to water two or three times a week.