Got some new orchids, not sure if healthy

[cass2828]

Got some new orchids.
cass062528

Hi, guys!!!... I just received some 5 tolumnias and 1 oncidium.. The tolumnias are in a 1 inch pot with no media....As I live in South India with tropical climate ... I think they are very dehydrated.... The problem with the tolumnias is that that crown is at the bottom of the net pot... So I couldn't dunk it without it getting wet. The oncidium is also dehydrated ... I have soaked it for about 10 minutes yesterday... But I see no improvement.It is in bark media by the way...

Please see whether these tolumnias are healthy






This is the oncidium golden yellow


---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:35 PM ----------

I am also wondering if I could use coconut coir(not husk) for the tolumnias

[estación seca]

I can't see the first one well, but the other Tolumnias look fine. If you live in a high-humidity area they might do better as they are, and not in medium. They tend to get root rot in pots. In habitat they are wet every night with dew, then dry the next day with sunshine. You will need to get them wet every day. You can submerge the whole plant in water for 15-60 minutes. Shake the water off and hang them up again.

Oncidiums like a lot of water. It can take a while for them to rehydrate. Some do not like much heat. Do you have a name for your Oncidium?

[cass2828]

it is an oncidium golden yellow. and please see the roots of the tolumnia as they are very papery and some are even hollow... and some leves on the first one are shrivled and the edged are dried up

[PaphMadMan]

With a history of dehydration orchids may never completely recover visually, but that doesn't mean the plants aren't healthy and ready to thrive with good care. Tolumnias need little or no media in a humid environment if they can be watered frequently, and do rot easily. Give them time before you decide to add coir - and then keep it to a minimum if you do.

Oncidium Golden Yellow isn't a registered hybrid name so it is hard to be specific about culture. It does look healthy though, and ready to move to a larger pot. That newest growth is significantly larger so the plant is set to increase in size very quickly. A larger pot will make it easier to supply enough moisture. With an Oncid new growth will have accordion pleating if it isn't getting enough moisture.

[Dollythehun]

I have several Tolumnias. I think yours look fine! Mine came the same way. I wouldn't use coir as they really like that wet dry cycle...at least mine seem to. If you use the search engine ( doesn't work with my phone) you will find a great set of notes Estacion posted awhile back. Very helpful.

[cass2828]

thanks. should I increase the pot size by 1? and I just mist the Tolumnias every day and soak them alternate days

[estación seca]

Most Oncidiums grow so fast you can use a pot 5-10 cm in diameter larger when you repot.

If I had time I would soak my Tolumnias for 1-2 hours every day, then let them dry. Overnight soaks have never harmed them. 24 hour I Forgot soaks kill them.

[cass2828]

I think the oncidium is the "dancing lady orchid" and can I use bark from any tree from my locality??

[Ray]

BARK: Some trees exude chemicals intended to fend off infestation and competition, so their bark might be toxic to orchids. I suggest that you Google "orchid supplies India", and purchase a known product.

TOLUMNIAS: Understanding a bit more about their situation in the wild should help you grasp their needs better. Tolumnias typically grow on tiny twigs of shrubs growing on the windward side of Caribbean islands. They get frequent rain, but are soon blown-dry by warm breezes. Find a way to mimic that, and they grow like weeds!

[cass2828]

The problem is that bark is very expensive here in india...more than the plant itself😅