Watering phal vs oncidium - Orchid Board

Benno · #1 11-02-2018, 12:10 PM

I'm confused as to if and how phals and oncidiums should be watered differently. If I have hybrid phals and Oncidium Sharry baby and an oncidium noid with thin roots but chunky pseudobulbs, in the same media and same environment, which ones should I typically be watering more often? I had assumed that phals being "moisture loving" would need more to be watered earlier but there's so much confusing/conflicting advice around now I wonder if oncidiums need to be kept more moist than my phals.

Sorry for the dumb question...

Ray · #2 11-02-2018, 03:01 PM

I don't think that's a dumb question at all.

The fact that the oncidiums have pseudobulbs says that they can tolerate drying out, not that they must to dry out. As long as you're potting medium is open and airy, it can stay constantly moist just like it should for the phal.

Benno · #3 11-02-2018, 06:33 PM

Yes the medium is Kiwi bark (medium size) with perlite and charcoal mixed in. So I can just water all of them before it is fully dried out? I use skewers and always want to water as the skewers start coming out barely damp.

Roberta · #4 11-02-2018, 06:39 PM

Something to consider the next time these are potted (no need to change anything now...) If the Oncidium is in small bark and the Phal in medium bark, the Oncidium will stay more moist with the same amount of water, and so one watering regimen for all will give pretty much ideal conditions for both. This is the scheme I use in my yard (with probably upwards of 1000 orchid plants with various needs) I can use different schemes in different zones (automatic sprinkler system), but within the same zone everybody gets watered the same. I just use different media (or none at all) depending on the needs of the plants, and everybody is happy. (And I don't have to work hard to accomplish that, can even take a vacation)

Dollythehun · #5 11-02-2018, 08:19 PM

Well, two of the best have answered you. Here's my two cents: I use a moss mix for both and pot in clay pots. I water my phals when the moss is crispy, drizzling on the water, not soaking. My Sharry Baby is a monster, I keep her constantly moist. My oncidiums get watered as soon as the moss approaches dryness. Skewers never worked for me.

Puja · #6 11-06-2018, 07:41 PM

Eh, as far as oncidiums NoIDs go, every individual plant is different. In the same medium, some dry out a lot faster than others. I tend to take more care to keep oncidium roots moist (by misting when the temperatures or high or the air is dry) than phal roots, but it may just be my personal bias. Not that phals do not like misting when conditions are drier, but I've found that the thin roots of most oncidiums dry out much faster than phal roots when left underwatered for a few days. This only concerns the roots - for the leaves, it seems to be the other way around (which is probably due to the pseudobulbs of oncidiums).

Again, this may just be my bias, or I just happen to have oncidiums that really dislike drier conditions.

P.S. This is the beginner board, there are no dumb questions.