When to cut spike on Oncidium?

[adlemsi]

I have a Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' and a Onc. Sweet Sugar 'Million Dollar' that are beginning to drop their blooms. Should I cut the spikes after all the blooms fall? How far should I cut down? Can I repot after cutting the spike? What is the procedure for repotting an Oncidium? Thanks in advance!

[dgenovese1]

Hi Adlemsi,

I usually cut my oncidium spikes after the blooms are finished falling off...just as you thought. I cut them down to about 1 or 2 inches from the bulb, being careful not to nick the bulb with my pruner.

As for repotting, I grow mine in the same potting medium I grow my cattleyas in, and I make sure that the plant is centered in the new pot with about an inch around on all sides. After repotting I make sure that the plant is secured in its new home using a potting clip. I usually repot in the spring (so long as there are no actively growing spikes), and only when the plant starts to grow new bulbs over the sides of the pot it currently grows in.

I hope this is helpful to you.

[Gin]

I wait until the spike is brown some will side branch .
I re pot the same as David . Gin

[adlemsi]

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm thinking of repotting in s/h. The Sharry Baby has some new growths, but I want to make sure there's enough before repotting. Should I wait for spring to repot or can I do it now?

[dgenovese1]

Adlemsi,

I'm going to defer this question to someone that grows in your area and also uses s/h. I grow my plants pretty much out doors all year long, and I do not use s/h.

Having said that, I do most of my re-potting in the spring, as it is the natural time for my plants to really kick start their growing into full gear.