Repotting oncidium and dendrobiums - Orchid Board

OhioBob · #1 03-13-2012, 12:36 PM

Four years ago I purchase several oncidium (NO ID) from the conservatory after the orchid show for a buck a piece. They were bare root and looked really good. I have planted them in bark and haven't killed them yet although it looks like I am trying hard to. Some how they still manage to grow enough to escape the pots so I am going to try SH this time. I also have a dendrobium that is growing well and needs to be repotted. I plan on using Schultz orchid media with added bark which is what I used 3 years ago and the plant seems to love it now but not when I first planted it. The pictures are of the orchids I plan on transplanting this go around.

Any suggestions to help me plant would be appreciated.

Olivia · #2 03-13-2012, 06:50 PM

The two oncidiums I put in SH really love it. One has been in for a year and nearly doubled the number of pbulbs. I just switched the other one over two months ago and it already shows signs of improvement and I will be moving over two more in the next couple of weeks.

What I think made the biggest difference for me was waiting for new pbulbs with active roots before switching and then keeping the plant on a seedling heat mat until it had settled in.

Good luck!

Bud · #3 03-13-2012, 07:19 PM

hopefully those plants with pleated leaves will be happy on S/H...as of now they need more watering...the rest are just happy where they are so continue your good work...and always trust your instincts

nenella · #4 03-13-2012, 07:53 PM

I too agree with above comments. In my experience Oncs love S/H although I still have some planted in bark which I have not repotted. If you decide to go with bark make sure it is soaked first (24/48 hrs). The 'thing' to watch out for is pleating of the leaves.. which means it is not getting enough water. They also like sunshine. Olivia is right new root growth is the time to change to S/h.
As Bud says I'm sure you will be OK ! Keep us posted and hope you get flower spikes in the next season.

OhioBob · #5 03-14-2012, 12:16 AM

The pleating occurred after the last replanting and the bark wouldn't hold enough water. I picked the oncidiums I did because they have new roots already growing. I have several others that still cling to life and have even flowered but they are most unhappy. When they start to form new roots I will get them into SH.
Thanks for the encouragement.