Repotting out of control oncidium

[HItransplant]

Hey all,
I've got an oncidium that has grown about 4 inches up and above the medium. It's very unstable now that the p-bulb is fattening. I noticed a keiki the other day and I'm thinking it's time to repot.





My questions:
1.why does a plant do this?
2. When I repot, should I try to bury some of the roots, or try to maintain the distance the plant has made from the medium?

Thanks!
HIt

[Bud]

Trust your instincts. You will discover that the plant pbulb is connected to the other pbulbs so you can curl it in a bigger pot until the roots are contained inside the pot evenly at same level(I noticed that some of your pbulbs want to up everyone else)...some of your leaves are pleating: either too much water or too little water. Discover a good watering/fertilizer technique for your plant...it will depend on your grow zone, the light youre giving it, temperature of the room and humidity...

[HItransplant]

Originally Posted by Bud

Trust your instincts. You will discover that the plant pbulb is connected to the other pbulbs so you can curl it in a bigger pot until the roots are contained inside the pot evenly at same level(I noticed that some of your pbulbs want to up everyone else)...some of your leaves are pleating: either too much water or too little water. Discover a good watering/fertilizer technique for your plant...it will depend on your grow zone, the light youre giving it, temperature of the room and humidity...

My instinct tells me that the plant grew up and out of the pot like that because it didnt want to be in the medium. Ive just never heard or read about this (or seen it). Its like it thinks its a vanda.

anyway, when you talk about curling it around, it sounds like you are advocating for getting those roots under some medium. What about a basket and coconut fiber or moss of some kind?

anyone else have a suggestion?

[sweetjblue]

HIt,

when was the last time this plant was repotted?
It may have grown up and out of the pot like that because the media has started to decay or the pot has become too small to hold the root mass which will push it up and out of the pot.
If you have the ability and the room maybe mounting it would be a good idea. Placing all the air roots in media just might rot them.


Judi

[Bud]

Very good.... basket is also the right instinct...or mounting it in a ferntree slab...but be prepared to give it more water, moisture and humidity (remember the pleated leaves)

[msaar]

What's the name of the plant? It's entirely possible that it simply may be genetically what the plant does. There are many species in the oncidinae that grow upwards-most of the crispa section, for instance (Onc. forbesii, crispa, enderianum, etc.)

[HItransplant]

Originally Posted by sweetjblue

HIt,

when was the last time this plant was repotted?
It may have grown up and out of the pot like that because the media has started to decay or the pot has become too small to hold the root mass which will push it up and out of the pot.
If you have the ability and the room maybe mounting it would be a good idea. Placing all the air roots in media just might rot them.


Judi

Judi,

It hasnt been that long since repot. I actually propped the original plant. three bulbs all did the same thing. One of them is on a cork bark round and doing quite well (also has a keiki).
I was worried about burying them for that reason as well. Maybe I will mount them.
thanks for the help!

Originally Posted by Bud

Very good.... basket is also the right instinct...or mounting it in a ferntree slab...but be prepared to give it more water, moisture and humidity (remember the pleated leaves)

I think those pleats came from a vacation we took.. about the right timeline, not to mention an isolated phenomenon.

Originally Posted by msaar

What's the name of the plant? It's entirely possible that it simply may be genetically what the plant does. There are many species in the oncidinae that grow upwards-most of the crispa section, for instance (Onc. forbesii, crispa, enderianum, etc.)

plant was purchased by my wife at a sale; dont think they had them tagged with species, just a price tag . This is something I hadnt considered, so thanks. all the more reason to mount these buggers. I see some 1x2 cedar strips in my future.

thanks again everyone.