Colmanara Masai Red repotting questions

[MimiLovesOrchids]

I received a Colmanara Red Masai in the fall. It was done blooming about a month ago so I repotted it in Oncidium Imperial potting mix from RepotMe. I have many phalaenopsis orchids but this is my first Oncidium. I have several questions and have attached 3 photos. First question: Should it be planted more deeply in the pot? There are many roots that sit above the surface of the soil (see first photo). I analyzed using a larger pot but it was only bigger in width, not depth. Also of note, there are two healthy sets of leaves that have continued to develop (on left of first photo). My second question is whether the small pseudobulb (see second photo) will continue to grow? During repotting a small set of leaves that had been developing at the top of it were knocked off. Thirdly, that small set of leaves had a couple of short roots so I gave it its own pot (see third photo). Without a pseudobulb, will it continue to develop?

[Mountaineer370]

I have the same plant right now, and it is really overgrowing its pot. I'm sure some of our more experienced members will be along soon with advice. I'll be following your thread with interest!

[WhiteRabbit]

It could be potted a bit lower, but should be ok as is. Or you could try to get it lower by holding the plant down with your thumbs, and see if you can tamp it down (gently bang the pot bottom on counter or other hard surface while pressing down with your thumbs on the rhizome).

The small pbulb in the second photo is an old one and will not grow. It's small because it's from when the plant was not yet reaching full, mature size growth yet.

The small growth in the last photo is brand new. I don't think it is likely to survive on it's own - but it doesn't hurt to try.

I have one (well actually a few now, after some dividing) of this hybrid, and for me, at least, it's been an easy grower and bloomer - very rewarding! And, can turn into a monster (size) before too long!

[estación seca]

It partially depends on your ambient humidity. If low I would consider repotting down, with the bases of the pseudobulbs even with the medium.

If the tiny separated growth has roots, there is a chance it will survive. It must never dry out. I would plant something this small in a much smaller pot, in long fiber sphagnum moss. I wouldn't pack it tightly around the roots. I would water so the moss is always moist, but never sopping wet.

[MimiLovesOrchids]

Thank you Mountaineer 370, White Rabbit and estacion seca. Your advice is very helpful. This morning I began to repot the small growth in a smaller pot but backed off. As I began shaking the current bark medium out of the pot, I noticed that the roots have already begun to take hold and grow. To retain moisture, I added some additional sphagnum moss to the bark and left it in the 3 inch pot that it is in. Will update you as I see any new developments. Thanks again.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I have one (well actually a few now, after some dividing) of this hybrid, and for me, at least, it's been an easy grower and bloomer - very rewarding! And, can turn into a monster (size) before too long!

Sonya, mind if I ask what you consider an easy bloomer? Approximately how often? I got mine in bloom, I've now had it for 15 months, it's growing like a weed, lots of new pseudobulbs, growing roots both in and out of the pot like crazy, but no sign of spiking. I've repotted mine once, a couple months after I got it. What are your growing conditions?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

Sonya, mind if I ask what you consider an easy bloomer? Approximately how often? I got mine in bloom, I've now had it for 15 months, it's growing like a weed, lots of new pseudobulbs, growing roots both in and out of the pot like crazy, but no sign of spiking. I've repotted mine once, a couple months after I got it. What are your growing conditions?

Mine blooms seasonally (now in bud with a few opening). Mine actually grow outdoors year round, so it's proved to be very temperature tolerant.

Generally, if a plant grows well, but doesn't bloom, I'd think it likely needs more light. Mine has been in a few locations, and has bloomed. Getting some morning sun, getting some afternoon sun, or on the north side of the house (gets both early morning AND evening sun in summer) for much of the year (moved to better shelter on the west of the house when weather becomes too cold or wet and cold). I don't think this requires tons of light, but I'd suggest trying to get yours a bit more if it's not blooming.

[Mountaineer370]

Thanks!