Question about oncidium

[EDDIE]

Hey everyone,
I acquired a psycopsis a few weeks ago (Onc. Mendenhall 'Papa's Dream' x Onc. Papilio 'Giant') when I received it, it had 2 spikes (one in bloom) and a new growth. I only water it about once a week; however I noticed the newest growth was turning kinda yellow from the bottom up and was 'loose' from the base of the orchid; upon further examining it the pb had turned brown and was kinda mushy. What is this and what can I do to remedy it? It hasn't affected the older mature growths just the newest one (I did remove it and put cinnamon at the base of the orchid) I would appreciate all suggestions. Thanks everyone!

Best regards,
Eddie.

[Tommyr]

Well you may be over watering it. I'd cut out the mushy pb. The soil mix should dry almost totally out between waterings.

[EDDIE]

Thanks for the advice tommy...i did let it get really dry this time (I stuck my finger into about an inch of the mix and it was dry). I watered fri. (watered it last thur. so that's a week and one day). Again thanks...

Best regards,
Eddie

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Also, make sure you've got good air circulation. Water caught between the leaves up against the pb may not have been evaporating. It's getting a little colder now, so evaporation is slower. I caught a similar problem forming on one of mine a couple days ago. Luckily it hadn't gotten far and I just had to remove the leaf, pb was fine. I'm now being extra careful to water the medium only, and not get water between the leaves!

[Tommyr]

You need to check further down than an inch, It could be still damp further down. Stick a bamboo skewer down to the bottom and see if it's wet or damp at the tip.

[EDDIE]

Hey guys, thanks for your suggestions!

Eddie...

[Lagoon]

Eddie, These guys can be very sensitive when they get water in the side pockets. Maybe run the fan for awhile after watering - if your not able to run it daily.
Otherwise their tough orchids.