Newbie - Oncidium Sweet Baby with flat pseudobulbs

[nonnadonna]

Hi everyone, this is my first post on this Orchid Board. I've grown Phals successfully and understand that Oncidiums are easy to grow too. Ordered one from eBay. It arrived with 3 pseudobulbs and 2 off shoot growths (I'm sure that's not what they're called) and the plant looks very nice but the pseudobulbs are very flat looking instead of plump. This must mean dehydration but it's in moss and I don't want to overwater it. What's the best thing to do?

[Roberta]

First, welcome! A photo would help. Often, the old pseudobulbs in the oncidium group are flat - with not a lot of live roots. They provide the energy for the new growths, which will also provide new roots. These don't want to dry out but still need air around the roots. A repot into a medium that works well for you (like small bark, or semi-hydro) would probably be wise.

[nonnadonna]

Thanks so much Roberta! I just re-posted my message along with a picture. At least I "think" I did! This is a new plant, with very few roots!
Donna

[nonnadonna]

Here's the pic I posted:

[Roberta]

It's the new growth that will also grow new roots, and the one showing in the photo looks great. (And probably another one just outside the frame) With that new growth, this would be a really good time to repot into a medium that works well for you. The new roots will make themselves right at home in the fresh medium.

[nonnadonna]

Yes, I plan to do that tomorrow, thank you so much for your reply. It seems that many people use NZ moss for Oncidiums, will fine bark mix (I have some from Repot Me, made for Paphs) work well for this Oncidium?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by nonnadonna

Yes, I plan to do that tomorrow, thank you so much for your reply. It seems that many people use NZ moss for Oncidiums, will fine bark mix (I have some from Repot Me, made for Paphs) work well for this Oncidium?

It depends on how heavy-handed you are with watering - the goal is damp but not soggy. If you tend to water a lot, go with the bark. If you water once or twice a week when you get around to it, go with sphagnum (but pack fairly loosely so that it can partially dry out between waterings, don't let it ever get crispy) I think of watering as therapy, so I tend to go with bark (or sphag in a basket that permits some drying) Either one is good - pick the one that suits your pattern.

[Dollythehun]

Welcome, Donna! You can also mix some moss in with your bark. My Oncidiums like that combination .

[nonnadonna]

Thanks new Orchid friends! I have decided to use Oncidium media from RepotMe.com. Roberta, I view watering my orchids as therapy too and prefer to plant in bar. Since I'm branching out a little from my comfort zone of Phals, I feel like an overprotective new Mom - Ha! So glad I discovered this board, thanks again...