New problems after 2 years in SH

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Ray

This issue is a nature of the plant, totally unrelated to S/H culture.

Sorry for the time gap in responding.

I wasn't certain, but suspected the stacked growth was a characteristic of mature Oncidiums. I'm still not sure how to supply the right amount of moisture between the spaces of stacked growth without rotting the mature bulbs beneath. The older bulbs are not shriveled and still have a lot of life left in them.

I would suspect in their natural habitat leaves and debris collect in those spots and then get rained on, thus providing moisture and nutrients between each nook and cranny. They probably grow on a cocked angle allowing for optimal drainage, thereby providing all the bulbs with proper drainage.

I can't replicate their natural environment so I guess the "mad scientist" in me will have to do some experimenting and see what happens.

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Sorry for the time gap in responding.

I wasn't certain, but suspected the stacked growth was a characteristic of mature Oncidiums. I'm still not sure how to supply the right amount of moisture between the spaces of stacked growth without rotting the mature bulbs beneath. The older bulbs are not shriveled and still have a lot of life left in them.

I would suspect in their natural habitat leaves and debris collect in those spots and then get rained on, thus providing moisture and nutrients between each nook and cranny. They probably grow on a cocked angle allowing for optimal drainage, thereby providing all the bulbs with proper drainage.

I can't replicate their natural environment so I guess the "mad scientist" in me will have to do some experimenting and see what happens.

Hi Junebug,
I have in the past added little bits of spagh on top of the pellets in between the p/bulbs on one of mine to keep it more moist. The new roots developped and ended up growing into the pellets..
Sorry can't help on the dividing/root issue.. apart to say that my mum has HUGE oncidiums and she just cuts right through when she divides ..
By the way your plant is really nice and would be a shame to divide.. but then I like 'big' plants.
Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[camille1585]

Me too, I think it would be a shame to divide such a nice plant. Looks great a bit large. It just depends what you prefer.
My Oncs, even young ones, also stack their growth. But what I did notice (mine are in bark btw) is that if I gave the plant time the roots eventually make it down to the mix. They just need to be misted daily until then so that the new bulbs have enough moisture.