Newbie, first Odcdm., roots okay?

[kennera]

everyone,

I would love some input. This is my first Oncidium of any kind, but not my first orchid. The pot was -extremely- tight, and the bulbs were having a hard time getting up and out. I couldn't even wiggle a screwdriver into the tight mix of roots, lava rock, pebbles and bark.

Once tapped out of the plastic pot, (it came out entirely whole, no debris) I noticed the bark pieces had turned to dust. The bark looked like brown mold , freaking me out a little at first.

So, here's how it looks after patient, careful removal of the mix, and a bath with fresh water. Everything seems okay, but I'm used to Vanda and Phal roots, so I'm not sure what to look for. The first image shows the plant just hanging loose in the pot while I was cleaning up the mess in the kitchen.

I have since gently repotted it, and there appears to be still plenty of room to grow. I re-used about 1/3rd of the orig mix (minus bark), tucked into the bottom, sides, under, and topped it off with a thin layer of fresh sphag to keep in a bit of humidity while I do more research.

Any input would be welcome. It's gorgeous when in flower, and I'm outta my league here.

Thanks for looking!

Kennera
growing indoors in 7a

[CTB]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Orchid looks great, roots are fine, I have mine all in hydroton and they just like lots of water and room to grow. Did you go up a size in the pot.? I don't think I would have reused the old bark or spag. Once bark starts breaking down, it doesn't last long.

The bulbs hold a supply of water for the plant. So you really need to know when it is dry or not. Sometimes that spag can fool you. If they begin to wrinkle then it needs more water. I water twice a week during the summer. Fert. once a week

Mine are kept outside in half day sun. Good Luck!

[SpeciesNut]

Welcome!I agree,I wouldnt use the old potting material.My Oncidium is potted in larger size bark with a lil chunky perlite and a thin layer of spag on top.i put a couple styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pot too.I water it every other day in this hot weather(its outside and gets a half of a day of sun)Its lovin life right now and in spike! hope this helps a lil and good luck with yours!

[kennera]

All the old bark and sphag definitely got chucked. I only kept the small rocks, clay balls, etc. that were in the mix. Also, I've reused the same size pot because it was only the roots that were jam-packed. The bulbs still have about 2" all around to spread out. Now that a big portion of the mix has been vamoosed, the roots have average wiggle room, which seems to be a big improvement.

Thanks for the replies!