Oncidium Dropping Blooms in New Environment

[ceramicmonster]

Hi, I am new to Orchid growing and I have just acquired an Oncidium from a local specialty nursery (shown left in photo). While it was in perfect health, in less than five days in my grow environment, it has started to drop blooms and has lost a lot of it's scent. The temperature is 73 F at between 50-57% humidity with proper ventilation. Above it are two T5 fluorescents with a light diffuser. The fixture could support up to 4 bulbs and I have both blue and redder spectrums on hand. I did a single soak with Jacks Bloom Booster at half strength. Does anyone have any advice on what I can correct?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

My guess is those particular flowers were done blooming. If you don't know how long the flowers had been in bloom for starting from bud to full opening of the flowers, then that'd be my guess. Of course always find the opportunity to check the roots too.

Generally speaking, many orchids have flowers that do not last very long. A tiny few only stay in bloom for 1 day, there are more that stay in bloom for about 1 week, then there are a few that can stay in bloom for about 2 - 3 months.

[ceramicmonster]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

My guess is those particular flowers were done blooming. If you don't know how long the flowers had been in bloom for starting from bud to full opening of the flowers, then that'd be my guess. Of course always find the opportunity to check the roots too.

Generally speaking, many orchids have flowers that do not last very long. A tiny few only stay in bloom for 1 day, there are more that stay in bloom for about 1 week, then there are a few that can stay in bloom for about 2 - 3 months.

It does have a developing flower spike, but it isn't showing signs of growth. I guess I will wait it out. Do you think my lighting is adequate?

[Ray]

I believe your light level is insufficient. 4 bulbs; what watts?

That is also likely why the scent has faded. That type of plant is typically fragrant in daylight.

"Half strength" fertilizer is meaningless. What is the formula, and how much did you mix per gallon of water?

[ceramicmonster]

Originally Posted by Ray

I believe your light level is insufficient. 4 bulbs; what watts?

That is also likely why the scent has faded. That type of plant is typically fragrant in daylight.

"Half strength" fertilizer is meaningless. What is the formula, and how much did you mix per gallon of water?

I am only using two bulbs in a four bulb fixture, each one being 24 watts each. I didn't want to burn the blooms, but I can make it VERY bright in the space. Should I go bright as I can?

The Jack's Fertilizer is a 3-9-6 at 1/2 teaspoon per gallon.

[Ray]

yes, I'd use all four bulbs.

A 3-9-6 @ 1/2 tsp/gal is about 20 ppm N. For weekly feeding, I'd probably use 3x that.

[ceramicmonster]

Originally Posted by Ray

yes, I'd use all four bulbs.

A 3-9-6 @ 1/2 tsp/gal is about 20 ppm N. For weekly feeding, I'd probably use 3x that.

Thanks! I will put those bulbs in, adjust the fertilizer and see how it goes this week.

[estación seca]

High light combined with higher temperatures trigger fragrance release in a lot of Oncidiums. Mine aren't fragrant unless the sun is shining on them and the room is quite warm. I wouldn't expect a lot of scent at 73 F / 20C.

What is the plant?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by ceramicmonster

Thanks! I will put those bulbs in, adjust the fertilizer and see how it goes this week.

You're not going to see a change in a week from a fertilizer change, but definitely keep an eye on the leaf color. A little red coloration is fine, but if it happens quickly, you might want to adjust the light-to-plant distance.