wrinkly oncidium

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes, most pbulbs, and not just on Oncidiums, will wrinkle somewhat with age. But severe shriveling of the pbulbs can mean the plant was severely underwatered, or roots rotted due to overwatering. It has been my experience that the shriveled pbulbs do not re-plump, but new growth should be fine with proper care. Of course the pbulbs store water and nutrition for the plant, and when the pbulbs are severely shriveled it means they have been supporting the plant and keeping it alive til new growth and roots appear. That's probably why I find Onc and Catt (plants with pbulbs) easier to grow than Phal (no pbulb)

[Nic100]

This is a really interesting thread! I'm a bit like Rosie - I am never really sure if I'm overwatering or underwatering, and as I bought most of my Oncidiums (??plural) in the winter I'm now having to rethink my watering habits for the warmer weather. I find it hard to judge as I'm never sure why the pseudobulbs have wrinkled. But I'm inclined to think I'm underwatering - I got out of the habit of soaking the pots over the winter, so I might start doing that again, see if I have any success. Good info!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Nic100

This is a really interesting thread! I'm a bit like Rosie - I am never really sure if I'm overwatering or underwatering, and as I bought most of my Oncidiums (??plural) in the winter I'm now having to rethink my watering habits for the warmer weather. I find it hard to judge as I'm never sure why the pseudobulbs have wrinkled. But I'm inclined to think I'm underwatering - I got out of the habit of soaking the post over the winter, so I might start doing that again, see if I have any success. Good info!

While Onc can definitely get root rot from over-watering - it seems to me that they are harder to over-water than some other types. If the new foliage is pleating that is frequently a sign that it needs more water. Tho I guess it could also happen it roots rotted from over-watering. I have skewers in all orchid pots- I try to make sure the Onc alliance plants don't dry completely.

[Nic100]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

While Onc can definitely get root rot from over-watering - it seems to me that they are harder to over-water than some other types. If the new foliage is pleating that is frequently a sign that it needs more water. Tho I guess it could also happen it roots rotted from over-watering. I have skewers in all orchid pots- I try to make sure the Onc alliance plants don't dry completely.

Great info - thanks WhiteRabbit. Hopefully I'll start having more success!