Oncidium sharry baby!

[Call_Me_Bob]

my friend gave me a small oncidium sharry baby. it just finished blooming. but, heres the catch, it has NO roots! anyone have any ideas on how to revive it? other than getting it out of spagh. what kind of medium do onc. like? it also has some spots on the leaves but i heard that that is normal for onc.

[RosieC]

Hmm, difficult because I can't see any lead growths. These tend to grown new roots as the lead growths develop.

I've heard of several people growing this orchid in S/H but I'm growing mine in fine bark.

[WhiteRabbit]

I have Oncidiums in either fine fir bark mix, or fine chc mix. Seems most Oncidiums are quite resilient. Try to keep media from completely drying out. Hopefully you'll get a new growth starting soon, and then roots will follow ...

The spotting seems to be on older growth - probably that foliage is just on it's way out ...

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, that cant be good then, i need all the life i can get for it! i just repotted into fine fir bark, and i will water it just before going dry. thanks

btw, how much light do they need?

[WhiteRabbit]

Mine gets a few hours of sun in the AM, but as yours has no roots, I would probably try to keep it out of much direct light.
If using artificial light - I don't know - tho I am sure someone can advise you there.
Natural light - a north window, or shaded east or west window. Outside in a shady spot. A bit of early morning, or evening light, or dappled should be ok.
Potting media slightly moist ...

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, thats about what it has now. but if i make it slightly moist, than wont it get more rot?

[RosieC]

That's the question I struggle with all the time on Oncidiam alliance plants.

One helpful thing I was told was this.
"Work out how long it takes to dry, then water the day before".

Basically this is saying water just before it gets dry rather than waiting for it to actually get dry. Not sure if I'm doing very good at that but I have started getting more success with Oncidiam alliance plants recently.

[myorchids]

I too had an oncidium which is now reviving. Probably, you should drain-water them once a week, without wetting the leaves, place in a sunny window..You will see some new growth arising from the base of the old pseudobulb..Have a look at the gallery for my oncidium growth progress..I wish to update them from time to time...

Good Luck!!

[Call_Me_Bob]

thanks guys! im assuming the tempereature is the same for a phal?

[RosieC]

I'm not sure on temps. Mine is outside just now while my Phals are inside... but them it's warm out just now. I plan to bring it in as the weather gets colder and keep it in the house, so then it will be getting the same temps as the phals.