Hi, my name is Jill and I'm an addict...

[Ross]

Welcome to the board! Glad you chose to join! Maybe we can be of help - maybe we can offer condolences

The pseudobulb you show does indeed look rotted, BUT, and I say - But, I have several Brassias with similar-looking bulbs that are doing just fine. So we aren't "out of the woods" yet, but maybe soon. A couple things stick out though. You say "north window". That's pretty dim for Oncidium. They really want a lot more light. Maybe not south, but at least east or west. Lights should be on approx the same length of day as you see outside. I adjust mine approx 1 hour more or less every other month.

Not sure on the white spots. Could be insects. But could also be residues from fertilizer, or something else. Need pics.

On the old Phal spike, I would cut it off, if it were mine. Think many here favor giving the plant time to regenerate.

[justjill3]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

..."north window". That's pretty dim for Oncidium. They really want a lot more light. Maybe not south, but at least east or west. Lights should be on approx the same length of day as you see outside. I adjust mine approx 1 hour more or less every other month.

Ross, I've enjoyed your dialogues in other posts. Thanks for responding. Unfortunately, I do not have an east window, and my west windows are shaded by GA pines and maples. My south window is, too plus a porch overhang. That's what made me build my light stand years ago. So, my Oncidium needs to live on the stand?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by justjill3

Ross, I've enjoyed your dialogues in other posts. Thanks for responding. Unfortunately, I do not have an east window, and my west windows are shaded by GA pines and maples. My south window is, too plus a porch overhang. That's what made me build my light stand years ago. So, my Oncidium needs to live on the stand?

OK, so lights are the ticket. Lots of folks are in the same boat you are and choose to grow totally under articial lights. Is this an option? The 4 foot shop lights would work if close enough. There are some two lamp models at Home Depot meant for kitchens, etc. that don't look too awful. An appliance timer will serve to turn them on and off.

Just re-read your post. Are the lights t8 or t12? Do you know? Are the tubes like 1"+ in diameter or skinny? Yes the orchids should be under the lights. The Oncidium needs to be real close while the Phal can be further away. Use a timer and set the on period for about 12 hours. If you want dark in evening try having it come on like 6AM and go off about 7PM or so.

[Candice]

Welcome Aboard the OB JILL!

Glad you joined us! I see you have fit in just fine and have gotten comfortable which is just great!
I cannot tell you anything about your lights because I grow mine outside currently, but I do agree with Ross, on your old spike and to cut it off. There have been mutiple posts on discussions of this topic of whether or not to cut the spike, you can see for yourself if you like by doing a search on the forum.
Unless the chid is a species, which you shouldn't cut the old spike from species, most say they cut the old spike off to push the energy where the plant deems necessary.
Again welcome!