Mtssa. Dark Star 'Darth Vader' - HELP!

[HW]

Hi everyone,
My oncidium: Olmec X Milt. Anne Warne has lots of new roots, pseudobulbs and 'braided' new leaf shoots but it hasn't bloomed in over a year. What is it missing? I have it potted in bark/coconut husk mix and I water it once a week (running tap water in the sink for a few minutes each week). It sits on a north facing window sill with a little bit of sun from the east every morning. Thanks in advance for your suggestions/comments.

HW

[Tony]

It needs more light. Do you have a south window you could keep it in?

[HW]

Really?! I had it in an east facing window before but the leaves turned yellow, like they were getting burnt. The leaves are still a little pale right now, not as lush as they were when I first got it.

HW

[Tony]

Can you post a pic of the plant? I doubt you are burning it, I have my Brassias in full sun here in FL, and they don't burn.

[justatypn]

They are very fond on South Florida conditions, they like temps in the range of 55-90F (intermediate), high humidity with about 3000 foot candles. Medium should be well drained and keep it moist. I am not so sure the yellowing is from to much sun unless you see significant dark brown spots, touch the leaves periodically throughout the day and see if the leaves are warm, good indication to much direct sun. Have you looked at the root system? When you say "tap water" is this directly from the tap or has the water set out over night, some sort of osmosis/purifying set-up? Direct from the tap has many contaminates than can harm a chid. Can you take a picture of your Onc, it would help.

[Ross]

I'm going to agree with these folks. Mine sit up against the glass of a south bay window and have additional light from two Compact Flourescents. Only time I move them away from the light is after the buds set on the spike. They average 3000+ foot candles and get full sun all day long. Of course we are in a northern latitude...

[HW]

Here are some images...this first one shows the overall size of the plant. See how droopy and pale the leaves are. Some of the leaves actually have dark spots and they have split open in the middle.


This second one shows the root growth. Seems to be doing OK, agree?


This last one shows the amount of pseudobulbs and leaf shoots

[Ross]

This is completely normal, in my opinion. It is common for Onc. leaves to split, sometimes several times. The "accordian" pleating is from lack of water during growth period. It cannot be undone. The curved leaves is common as well. What I notice most is the pseudobulbs look nice and fleshed out (not shriveled). The older ones will shrivel often times, so no worry there. Biggest thing to get it to bloom is get it into more light. Mine sits (as I said previously) in a south facing window right against the glass. I also water mine once or twice a week (or so) and they do fine.

[Tony]

The yellow-green color of the old growth is what you want. Dark green may be more attractive, but that means it isn't getting enough light. Watering more during the growth period will prevent leaf pleating.

[HW]

I will move it back to the east window then, at least it will get more sun. Thanks for the diagnoses!

HW