Oncidium just stops growing - Orchid Board

unique562 · #1 05-30-2007, 11:23 AM

My Oncidium will grow about 3 new leaves and they get about half of the size of the adult leaves, then they just stop growing and a new set of leaves starts to grow out of the side. I have had this orchid for 3 1/2 and I have never seen it bloom.

Tindomul · #2 05-30-2007, 01:09 PM

If you had not said you've had it for 3 1/2 years, I would have thought that the new leaves are coming in before the old are finished growing. Whats your fertilizer regimen?

unique562 · #3 05-30-2007, 01:14 PM

It does seem like the new leaves are coming in before the old are finished growing, and the fertilizer just maybe once every 3 months. Some one told me not to until it starts to bloom.

Tindomul · #4 05-30-2007, 01:19 PM

I let others more expert than I chime in, but it seems to me that it is not getting enough food. It can't really grow or bloom much if it doesn't get food. Is it potted or mounted?

unique562 · #5 05-30-2007, 01:46 PM

It is potted in a glazed pot. The one with the holes up the side. Does it need to be watered more for that reason?

Tindomul · #6 05-30-2007, 02:23 PM

The holes are not at the bottom? What media are you using? If its in Semi-hydroponics, then I would say that is fine. Otherwise I would say you might be in danger of overwatering due to the accumulation of water at the bottom of the pot.

Ross · #7 05-30-2007, 02:39 PM

Let me also chime in. As an Oncidium grower, I hear several problem areas that need to be addressed. First - Oncidiums should be in loose potting medium. I use very large bark chunks (3/4" to 1") for lots of air. Second, while in new growth, you may need daily watering, especially if you see the leaves pleating (sort of folded like). Third, I recommend daily (or every other day) watering of all Oncidiums in active growth with dilute fertilizer. I use MSU mix diluted to 125ppm Nitrogen and water every second day with this by total submersion of pot in a 5-gal pail of mix. Forth, the plant should be kept in high light - not, necessarily full sun (although it can tolerate this) but VERY bright, say a south window with a window screen. It is not normal for any Oncidium to stop growing, then start new growths. Try changing your water/fertilizer regime and see if that doesn't help. And let us know, please.

Ross · #8 05-30-2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unique562

It does seem like the new leaves are coming in before the old are finished growing, and the fertilizer just maybe once every 3 months. Some one told me not to until it starts to bloom.

Two things, more frequent fertilizing during active growth and stop fertilizing (unless you are doing as I suggest above) during flower. You are actually doing the reverse of what they need. Every 3 months is not nearly enough for any orchid (in my opinion).

Tindomul · #9 05-30-2007, 02:55 PM

I have an Onc. Sharry baby in bark. It grows next to east window which gets tons of sunlight in the morning hours. Should I water it everyday? Is that what you are saying?

Ross · #10 05-30-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

I have an Onc. Sharry baby in bark. It grows next to east window which gets tons of sunlight in the morning hours. Should I water it everyday? Is that what you are saying?

Nope! I am suggesting a few things for this person to consider. If your Sharry Baby is doing well, leave it alone

But that is not what was being suggested here. Tin, I trust you are doing things right. I have followed your posts for a while now and seen lots of great successful blooms. Just keep doing what you do so well.