Shrivelled oncidium

[fredbear]

I've seriously under watered. Can I bring them back from the brink?

[Ray]

Certainly, but first you need to know if it's truly underwatered, or if this is a case of being "under-rooted". Both will give you the same shriveled appearance.

Assuming your statement is true, water the plant very lightly, and find a way to put it in maximum humidity. Personally, the easiest method is use is to simply invert a plastic bag over the plant and pot after watering. No need to seal it. Keep the plant warm and out of direct sunlight, and it has the best chance of recovery.

The existing pseudobulbs may not replump, but any new growths should be OK.

[fredbear]

thanks and I'll try the plastic bag solution. In the meantime, would explain what is "under-rooted"?

[judith_arquette]

Not enough viable/live roots to sufficiently hydrate the plant

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by fredbear

thanks and I'll try the plastic bag solution. In the meantime, would explain what is "under-rooted"?

Yes as Judith says, if the roots are poor then even if you water enough the plant will not be able to take up enough water and it will look dehydrated.

In fact overwatering can cause root rot which causes it to be under-rooted, which causes it to look like it's been underwatered.

[fredbear]

Thanks one and all. I'm guessing that there is no solution to under-rooting.

[judith_arquette]

New roots will grow. You may want to try adding kelp to your watering routine for an extra boost but new roots will come as new growths develop. Oncidium alliance orchids are my favorite for this very reason. I usually annihilate any existing roots when I get a plant because of my chronic, compulsive over watering obsession...

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by judith_arquette

...I usually annihilate any existing roots when I get a plant because of my chronic, compulsive over watering obsession...

You should get some water lilies and take it out on them.

[fredbear]

Thanks again one and all.

[Optimist]

an alternative is to mount them. If you perpetually water too much, maybe mounting will actually save the roots because you will be able to water to your hearts desire.

This is an oncidium I recently mounted with zip-ties, a garlic bag, some spagham moss on a stick of Mopani wood from the aquarium store. I left it outside most of 2015 and it has given me great roots (2nd picture). It is still not hanging on well enough, so I will not take the zip tie off yet.



roots close up:


I water it every day, and plan to mount a few more of my oncidiums. This is the way they cling to trees in nature, and I feel that it is the way they have the healthiest growth.

---------- Post added at 10:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 AM ----------

I forgot to mention, it had no roots, just the old bulbs and some threads and a stump.