tiny Onc. sotoanum arrived w/four spikes - when to repot?

[learning_curve]

I'm a newbie who probably like many learned on grocery store orchids and then got interested in learning more and branching out. I noticed an Onc. sotoanum 'Roy' on sale when I was ordering supplies and decided to try it, but to my surprise it arrived with four spikes covered in buds. It's in the usual 2" plastic pot plants come in and I'm wondering - should I leave it there and see what happens with the buds, or repot? This is my first post and it won't let me include a photo but since arriving the spikes have all gotten new growth and the buds are bigger I'm guessing I should leave it but the little black plastic pot makes it really hard to make sure I'm watering correctly and everything's ok down there. Also, do you usually give the spikes support? They're at about a 45-degree angle right now from the plant base.

Thanks in advance for any advice, this is my first oncidium and I'm committed to keeping it happy For context I live in the Pacific Northwest so warmth and sunshine can be a challenge but I have a very bright apartment with huge windows and my other orchids have been doing well year-round.

[Ray]

The best time to repot is just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant.

[estación seca]

Some orchids are fine to repot in spike and some are not. Oncidiums are not. They have fine, delicate roots that are easily damaged with repotting. There is a good chance you would lose the spikes.

For almost all orchids, wait to repot until you see new roots just beginning. For most Oncidiums this is usually a little after you see new growth beginning. Oncidiums only make new roots on new growths that are just forming.

You can stake the spikes if you wish, or not. Be careful not to break them.

[learning_curve]

Thank you! I have read that oncidiums like to stay evenly moist rather than get completely dry between waterings and the pot is so tiny I can't see or feel the media so I was nervous to keep it in there, but I'll repot later. Thanks for the tip about the tiny delicate roots. I naively thought this plant 'on sale' meant it wouldn't be blooming.

[estación seca]

Oncidiums use a lot of water, so don't worry too much about overwatering. The next time you water the pot thoroughly, lift it up and note the weight. Pick it up every day and note the weight as it uses the water in the medium.