Repotting Oncidiums

[PurpleOrchid]

Hello, I am not having any luck repotting Oncidiums or anything with a bulb (Miltonia). They do not thrive and die shortly after repotting. What am I doing wrong. Most of them come tightly potted in moss. Is it the transition to bark media form? I would appreciate any help. I live in New York and I grow my orchids indoors all year round. I have had better luck with Phals.

[estación seca]

For best results, repot when they're in active growth. This means making new roots and perhaps a new shoot from the base of the old pseudobulb. They need plenty of water at the roots, much more than does a Phalaenopsis or a Cattleya. Many people don't let them go completely dry for any length of time. If using bark, many people use smaller bark so they stay damp longer.

The plant commonly sold as Miltonia (they look like a pansy) are mostly hybrids of Miltoniopsis species. These are cool-growing plants. They don't do well in warm temperatures and they can't dry out. I don't grow them because I can't keep them cool enough.

[billc]

Good advice above. You want to use smaller bark for the oncidium types than you do for phals. Maybe add a little moss to the mix to help retain moisture.


Bill

[PurpleOrchid]

Thank you. Every little bit helps.

[gngrhill]

Also, the roots are very important. If there is a lot of rot in the root zone they won't do well. I have not had a problem moving them from moss to bark. Above advise is all good I'm just adding this so you will think about it.

[wintergirl]

I like a clay pot almost the size of the root section. Then tuck bark, bits s moss or clay pellets on the sides to make it fit tight. You mostly will have roots in a clay pot. They breathe well in this method. I water about once a week depending on environment.