Oncidium Bud Blast

[jwpotter]

Several months ago I got a Oncidium that had spikes with buds. I kept it inside to enjoy it when it bloomed, but the buds mostly dried up and was quite a disappointment. That was about 3 months ago. I set it outside with my other oncidiums and it has now sent another spike out.

Question: Should I leave it outside where it seems to be happy until it blooms or bring it inside? I am wondering if it being inside caused the bud blast.

I have a cat that is now in bloom and left it outside until the flowers started to open. It is now inside and doing great, so I figured maybe I should do the same.

Thanks for your thoughts

[campchi]

You said it yourself. Wait until the buds are about to open then bring it inside. I have couple oncidium blooming right now and it's beautiful. Of course I grow it indoor. But it does get south facing sunlight. Maybr othets can chip in

[jwpotter]

Thanks for your response. Prior to this year I have had my oncidiums inside and they did well, but as my collection has grown I have had to put it outside where they are really very happy. I guess I never really thought going from outside to inside could cause such a problem.

[estación seca]

They're often shipped to chain stores in bloom because buds are quite sensitive to change in surroundings. Also, when shipped, the medium is often quite old, so they need to be repotted soon after blooming.

Oncidiums need a lot of water when in bud and bloom but they can't stand in water. If they don't get enough water they drop buds.

[lotis146]

I try not to change a plants location until it is in bloom or mostly so. If I were you I'd leave it outside until in bloom just make sure to keep it happy. I've ordered plants that showed up to my surprise with a spike just peeking out that blasted within days but the other plant that came with it in bloom stayed in bloom... best of luck! Keep us posted.