Brassidium Longlen 'Bill Switzer' strange psuedobulb color

[chsteph]

This is my first post to the forum. I have been collecting and growing orchids for a few years now and have had great luck, for the most part.
Lately, I have noticed that one of my orchid's psuedobulbs are a strange color. It is actively grown and seems to be doing well otherwise, but I am concerned that there may be something wrong. I recently repotted (after I first noticed the color) and all roots were healthy and there had been quite a bit of growth. All the bulbs are firm to the touch and are not more wrinkled than when I first received the orchid almost a year ago. I took these pictures today. Please let me know if you have seen anything like this before. Thank you!!

[rick84]

can I ask why did/do/are the psuedobulbs wrinkled like that? I have 2 Oncidiums and 1 has the same wrinkles, but not the other. I don't have much experience with orchids as I do veggies and fruit. But I do know that plants(ORCHIDS) will display a purple hue or dominance if the light requirements are excessively provided. Too much light/ or too bright better yet. Again Im not an expert but it could be a nutrient deficiencie.

[chsteph]

Originally Posted by rick84

can I ask why did/do/are the psuedobulbs wrinkled like that? I have 2 Oncidiums and 1 has the same wrinkles, but not the other. I don't have much experience with orchids as I do veggies and fruit. But I do know that plants(ORCHIDS) will display a purple hue or dominance if the light requirements are excessively provided. Too much light/ or too bright better yet. Again Im not an expert but it could be a nutrient deficiencie.

The wrinkles are not unusual. The bulbs store energy that helps new growth, eventually they will dry up altogether. Once a pseudobulb wrinkles, they usually do not completely unwrinkle (at least as far as I know).

[Vanda lover]

When light is increased, plants often take on a purplish hue. Nothing to worry about. It just means that it is receiving good light.

[silken]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

When light is increased, plants often take on a purplish hue. Nothing to worry about. It just means that it is receiving good light.

I agree, it looks normal.

For many Oncidium types, only the newest growth will be plump and the older ones at various stages of wrinkled because as mentioned, they do provide and support the newer growing and blooming pseudo bulbs.

Welcome to Orchid Board!

[james mickelso]

Most oncid types can and often do display this browning of the older surface tissue. It's just getting old. Nothing to worry about as long as the flesh is firm. The older a pbulb gets the less photosynthesizing takes place as genetically they are turning into nothing more than storage vessels full of starches and sugars that the newer pbulbs use for growth. As they age they also wrinkle as the starches are used up along with the moisture content. Be careful not to water too much when they are not in active growth as their roots are thin and rot easily when too wet.

[chsteph]

Thanks everyone! I have other oncidiums, but none of those have shown this color change before. It is good to hear that it is normal.

[BettyE]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Most oncid types can and often do display this browning of the older surface tissue. It's just getting old. Nothing to worry about as long as the flesh is firm. The older a pbulb gets the less photosynthesizing takes place as genetically they are turning into nothing more than storage vessels full of starches and sugars that the newer pbulbs use for growth. As they age they also wrinkle as the starches are used up along with the moisture content. Be careful not to water too much when they are not in active growth as their roots are thin and rot easily when too wet.

I, too, think that this plant looks "normal." And, I also like the rest of the advise that James is giving. By the way...some of the p-bulbs on my oncidiums look like this. Not to worry.....BettyE

[WhiteRabbit]

I agree with all the above - looks normal