Oncidium Leaf Color
 

I don't know what kind of oncidium this is. The medium is a standard orchid mix, mainly piecies of bark about 1 to 1 1/2 inch long. The pot has three prominent slits on the bottum for drainage. I keep the plant outside & it gets well diffused light. I water about once a week, fertilize every third time or so with water soluable orchid food. The plant currently has two flower spikes. My question is the pale green color of the leaves normal for some oncidiums? I have another oncidium & it has dark green leaves.

Tim Abbott

Hello Tim,
if you show us a picture from the plant it would be easier to diagnose if something is wrong. Some plants can have light green leafs, might be normal for your plant. Nicole

Sorry, I forgot to attach the pics.

Tim Abbott

Seems normal to me Tim. Does that pot have drainage holes? Seems to be over potted to me... watch your watering :-) The new growth looks however good.

Nicole

Hi Blueszz(Nicole),

Yes the pot has three slits on the bottom about 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long. The potting medium is mainly bark with some bits if charcoal & perlite. I water about once a week usually by soaking the plant in a larger container filled with water. What does overpotting mean, does that mean it is in too large of a pot? The plant currently has one flower & another bud & it has bloomed for me before Do you think the pale green color is normal? I have another oncidium, a Sharry Baby I think that has dark green leaves. Thanks.

Tim Abbott

Hello Tim, if this works for you it isn't overpotted ;-) Overpotted means that the pot is too large for the root mass. A lot of orchids like being rootbound and when smaller potted you it's easier to avoid over watering.
I don't have a Sharry Baby, but if it blooms for you I would say it gets enough light. Same for this plant. If it blooms it gets a good amount of light. Some plants just have a lighter color leafs than others. I don't think it's something to worry about :-)

Nicole

Thanks Blueszz, I appreciate the info, when and if I should re-pot is always one of the things I'm not good at. I guess if the plant is growing & blooming that overrides a lot of concerns.

Tim Abbott

I agree Tim. About repotting, I repot when I'm in doubt*** or when plants grow over the edge of the pot, like pseudobulbs that are hanging over the pot and the roots have no way to go but have to stay in the air.

*** In doubt about root quality, a medium that stays too wet too long for my liking etc.

I always choose the smallest pot that the plant fits in, with for some species/hybrids room for 2 years of growth (Oncidium for instance, or Dendrobium's). Where I live winters are dark and cold and the smaller the pot compared to root mass, the faster the medium dries. It helps me not to over water. During the summer months that means a lot of watering for me, but I like that anyway LOL This is what works for me.

Nicole