My recovering Tahoma Glacier "Sugar Sweet"

[NYCorchidman]

Why don't you switch it to s/h then?

[nutgirl]

I've done that. They did OK for a while but nothing spectacular. Roots grow then stop then rot and the plant goes into decline.
I changed from S/H to traditional method with LECA but they still just sit there with an occasional growth.
I'm surprised it hasn't worked since most of my other types have worked very well in S/H.

It makes me wonder if it may have something to do with my temp and conditions, hot and dryer in summer. I'm working on establishing a cooler area for them. And maybe a different potting medium.

I love a challenge.

I'm working on my third Nelly Isler.


Maureen

[NatalieS]

It's really interesting how you guys are having a particular issue with the roots of your Tahoma Glaciers. I have a Beallara Peggy Ruth Carpenter which has, what sounds like, the same issue as the Tahoma Glaciers. It is the only orchid of mine that struggles to grow roots. And guess what, Tahoma Glacier is one of its parents. I wonder if anyone else has issues like this with their Peggy Ruth Carpenters?

I did a little research on the background of Tahoma Glacier. With such a complex hybrid I assumed that intermediate temps and regular watering was the appropriate culture. After reading about one of its parents, Oncidium Alaskan Sunset, it seems that the care I've been giving it is mostly good, but not entirely. Some cultural advice I've read is that, after flowering, the plant should be allowed to dry out for 2-4 weeks and to start watering when growth appears. Maybe if it appears to be doing nothing for an unusual amount of time it should be left to dry out. I know I have a habit of continuing to water, so I'm going to try this technique with my Beallara anyway. Maybe it'll stimulate new growth.

Sorry if someone has already mentioned this - I might have missed it in one of the posts.

[nutgirl]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Some cultural advice I've read is that, after flowering, the plant should be allowed to dry out for 2-4 weeks and to start watering when growth appears. Maybe if it appears to be doing nothing for an unusual amount of time it should be left to dry out. I know I have a habit of continuing to water, so I'm going to try this technique with my Beallara anyway. Maybe it'll stimulate new growth.

Sorry if someone has already mentioned this - I might have missed it in one of the posts.

Yes, I've read that too and I think it was one of my problems early on. The oncidium types do seem to have a growth cycle and don't like to be wet when they are "resting".
I was under the impression that they had to be wet or they would get wrinkly. I've since learned that's not necessarily the case all the time and there's a difference between wet and damp.

Hope yours perks up.

Maureen

[NYCorchidman]

When this plant was sending up small spike back in September, I thought I would be happy to see just one flower. The plant was in bad shape after suffering some rot. The newly formed pb was very small, roots were hardly none!
After about two months later now, there are 7 buds.
I have no idea where the plant is getting water from to grow these big buds. I was afraid the buds might eventually dry up and drop, but so far so good.
I can even see the spots inside and the green bud is now showing some white telling me they are going to open up not too distant future.

This plant normally bears double spike with 9 or more flowers on each. This is still quite something considering the condition the plant is in.

Now I have to find something right to stake the spike. The flowers will be heavy!

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[nutgirl]

That's great!
It should really put on a show.


Maureen

[ron-in-norcal]

Well, as a side note I think you've just identified one of my plants. It's getting ready to bloom again with 4 spikes this time, despite some rough times before I moved to my new place.

[NYCorchidman]

Most of the buds are open now although I haven't taken pictures of them yet.
Not as good as last year's bloom, but this plant suffered a lot.

[ron-in-norcal]

I look forward to pictures if you get the chance. I need to do some photos of mine, too. Hope they do really well for you.