Questions about Onc. Mendenhall 'Papa's Dream' x Onc. Papilio 'Giant'

[EDDIE]

Hey guys, here are some pics. of an oncidium (mendenhall 'papa's dream' x papilio 'giant') I received a few days ago...when I received it, it was in a 4" pot, it has 2 spikes, one that is in bloom. When I unwrapped it, the pot was cracked into many pieces! I couldn't believe it..I had to place it in another 4" pot that was occupied by a phal. (cleaned it good!) It fit perfectly. It is potted in tree fern fiber. Do you guys think it will be ok? I have several questions about this orchid:
1.) I've heard these like to be pot bound...I was told I may have to cut the spike's when I repot..is this true and do you cut all of them? (I'm assuming new ones grow off of new pb's if conditions are right?)
2). What type of medium is best for these? Right now it is in tree fern fiber.
3). How dry should it get between waterings? What do I feed it with? (I heard low nitrogen, since it is in tree fern fiber)
4). When I do repot it, what size medium and how big of a pot do I put it in?
Sorry, this is so long...I would appreciate any suggestions you guys can give me...this is my first oncidium! Thanks everyone!
Sorry...having trouble uploading the pics..will try later!
Best regards, Eddie.

[Sun rm.N.E.]

Eddie

Carter and Holmes who hybridized many of these has a culture sheet I found useful:

Oncidium Papilio (Psychopsis) Orchid Care - Carter and Holmes Orchids Culture

[John D.]

If the roots weren't disturbed (sounds like the root ball was intact and you just slid it into the other pot) I would not cut the spikes. I have mine in tree fern fiber. They should dry between waterings. I water in the pot to keep the bulbs and leaves dry to prevent rot. The spikes bloom sequentialy a couple of mine are still blooming on spikes from 2006.

[EDDIE]

Thanks for the info guys...how long do the blooms last and do they come right after one falls off or what?

[John D.]

Blooms last 2 -3 weeks depending on your conditions. When one falls off the spike forms another bud right behind it . It will open in another two to three weeks.