Need help with Oncidium (Psychopsis) Mendenhall 'Hildos'

[MrHungx]

First of all, I have no experience with growing psychopsis orchids. I recently noticed that the new growth on this orchid has begun to turn a little yellow. Should I be concerned in any way? The plant has a few leafless pseudobulbs and only one leaf. This was a recent acquisition from Clown Alley Orchids. Should I request an exchange?

[jeremyinsf]

Perhaps. How wet is this plant staying?

[MrHungx]

I watered the orchid when I received it last Thursday. The medium is still moist.

[jeremyinsf]

Psychopsis are susceptible to root rot but I doubt something would happen that quickly. I've had very very young growth not survive when a plant is in shock from transport or transplant. That might be what is happening here.

[nikkik]

The plant looks like it's buried too deep in your potting mix. I didn't have luck with my psychopsis until I put it into a 4 inch basket. The roots grew like crazy, I got new spikes and new growth. I also let it dry out fully between waterings.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by nikkik

The plant looks like it's buried too deep in your potting mix. I didn't have luck with my psychopsis until I put it into a 4 inch basket. The roots grew like crazy, I got new spikes and new growth. I also let it dry out fully between waterings.

I'm fascinated by that idea Nikkik! Would you mind posting a picture of it for perspective? I have several psychopsis and I might want to try that with one. Sounds like a great way to avoid root rot issues.

[silken]

Originally Posted by MrHungx

First of all, I have no experience with growing psychopsis orchids. I recently noticed that the new growth on this orchid has begun to turn a little yellow. Should I be concerned in any way? The plant has a few leafless pseudobulbs and only one leaf. This was a recent acquisition from Clown Alley Orchids. Should I request an exchange?

I would contact the grower and let them know there is a problem. Just in case it gets worse. and you need to ask for a refund or replacement. They likely want to know very soon after you receive it. Did you pot this up after getting it or did it come potted as is? It looks a bit deep to me as well. I have one potted in a net basket in small Orchiata bark and perlite and it seems happy. I have heard these resent being disturbed. Not sure if its true, but that might have something to do with it. But mine came bare root from H & R in Hawaii and was fine.

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I'm fascinated by that idea Nikkik! Would you mind posting a picture of it for perspective? I have several psychopsis and I might want to try that with one. Sounds like a great way to avoid root rot issues.

Lol! It's funny you ask for a picture because I tried to take one to illustrate my orginal post, but my cats started chasing the flower because it was moving as I repositioned the plant for the photo. I finally gave up because I didn't want them knocking off the flower. I'll take one tomorrow and post it.

[Orquiadicto]

I've got mine in a net pot as well, with some bark, leca and chc. Not very much medium. It's doing great. I've got a quite big new growth and the existing spike (I bought it in bloom) is developing a new bud at the moment (quite big already. Will post picture as it blooms.

[MrHungx]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

Psychopsis are susceptible to root rot but I doubt something would happen that quickly. I've had very very young growth not survive when a plant is in shock from transport or transplant. That might be what is happening here.

When I tried to remove the orchid from the packaging after I received it in the mail, the poor thing fell out of its pot. The amount of roots that I found was astonishing: there were none. The orchid was way over potted and was overgrown with weeds. After repotting it, that's when I noticed the new growth starting to yellow a few days later. Now, the new growth is completely dried up. I tried contacting the vendor of the plant, and I have yet to receive a response. I have sent multiple emails, and all of them were ignored. Any chance that this orchid will recover? I've included a picture of the same orchid last Thursday.