Odontonia Samurai

[soderstrand]

Hello!

I was wondering, my Odontonia Samurais bloomingperiod is over and the flowers have started withering. When they all have withered, should I remove the spikes as close to the bulbs as possible? And when it later on is time for blooming, do the spikes come again from the same bulbs or are those one-timers?

And, the things I've marked in the picture, are those aerial roots?

Thanks,
Anton

[camille1585]

Yes you can go ahead and cut off the spikes, they won't do anything more. As for future spikes, oncidiums usually flower once per bulb (either 1 or 2 spikes per bulb), which is why it's important for your plant to grow new growths. When these growths are mature/semi-mature, and if you have been giving it good light and regular feeding, you should see some spikes on those.

[soderstrand]

Okay perfect So I take it those stuff on my pic was aerial roots then..? Btw, I should remove the spike as close to the bulb as possible, right?

Thanks for the answer Camille, really appreciated!

[camille1585]

Yes, those look like aerial roots. I think what happens is that the bulbs are growing new roots between the bulb and the leaf, and since the root can't get through the leaf to go in the medium, it takes the easy way out, upwards!
To cut off the spike, you can cut it low, just be careful not to damage the bulb. I usually leave an inch or so of spike. Anyways the remaining piece will dry up and eventually fall off.

[frostedeyes]

do u think ur giving them less water... the roots are going everywhere. think u should increase water. A friend of mine told me before... if the medium is dry or doesnt hold water the roots will go everywhere. its their natural instinct to get more air thru atmosphere.