Mtssa. Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi' - watering

[wighty44]

Hello all,
I am an orchid neophyte, but I have done some research on my newly purchased Miltassia Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi'.

As I understand it, this orchid is a mericlone (propagated by cloning) and an intergeneric oncidium.

When I received the orchid 3 weeks ago it was quite massive with a single 36" spike having 8 buds. Presently 7 of the 8 buds are in bloom: .

The orchid is in a 7½" pot, placed in an east-facing window, and recieves 2,000-6,000 Fc of light. It has been watered every 7-8 days.

And this brings me to my concern - am I watering the orchid properly?

From one source, I read that this orchid should not have "wet feet", and should be thoroughly soaked (and drained) once every 7-10 days. From another source I read that allowing the plant to dry-out between waterings is not good.

When I look at this area of the plant I see something that suggests to me that the plant is not getting sufficient water: Note the "accordian" looking area...

Again, from another source, I read this

Oncidiums like to be evenly moist and if subjected to periods of dryness will grow leaves that have an "accordian" look to them. One option is to layer a bit of sphagnum moss on top of the media to increase humidity, just be careful that it is below the level of the pseudobulbs.

So, today I added a layer of sphagnum moss to the top of the media.

So, I'm interested to hear what some of the board's veterans have to say about this. Did I do the right thing? Has the orchid not been geeting sufficient water? Other thoughts?

Thank you for your assistance.

PS, I should have noted earlier that the pot sits on a 12" tray containing stones & water to raise the local area humidity - the pot base is above the water level.

[Lagoon]

Hello

Funny how this topic comes up, I just watered mine a few minutes ago.
The photo is abit dark from my view, so I won't comment on the overall bulbs. But I do keep mine fairly moist. Shrinking bulbs can meen under watering and sometimes over-watering. Of course over watering will rot the roots - Both can give you the same look.
I keep mine in a sphagnum moss mixed with coarse rok and water every 5 days during the colder months, during the wamer months 2 to 3 times per week.

My opinion, this orchid really likes it's water

[wighty44]

Thank you for your reply. Based on your comment about the photo's darkness, I took an updated photo that I believe should help show the area of my concern:

Are these pseudobulbs on your orchid smooth or do they look like those in my photo...?

[gmdiaz]

I water mine twice a week. . .seems to really be thirsty all the time.

Just be careful to not let it sit in water. And keep the spaghnum moss layer back from the bulbs a bit.

[wighty44]

Thank you. I suspected it might have needed water.

[new_orchid_rescuer]

to Orchid Board!
Okay, so I have no idea about the specific needs of this orchid, but what I do know is that you were circling the pseudobulb and not the leaves. The quote you have in your post refers to 'accordion leaves.' This is what they look like:

(this is just a random pic I found on the web)

But I should add that wrinkled pseudobulbs can mean under or overwatering just as Gloria said. However, to me it looks like your pseudobulbs are fine because that's generally how mine look (just slightly wrinkled) but maybe I have a underwatering problem too!

I would be concerned that all those roots hanging above the pot are getting enough water. Personally I would mist them everyday, but if you've put some sphag around them then that should be good. Just my

[wighty44]

Thank you. And thank you for sharing that photo as it is very helpful.

I did note that the quote mentioned "accordian-like" leaves, but I was not sure if it could also extend to the pseuodobulb.

When I recieved the orchid, I did ask the seller about those roots. His reply was

Those protrusions are aerial roots. Don't worry about them. These guys are heavily overgrown.

Since then I haven't been concerned about them. Now, I'm not so sure...

[new_orchid_rescuer]

The only thing that should concern you about these roots is that they are getting enough water. Otherwise they're all good

[wighty44]

As an extension of my watering question, I have wondered if the orchid will benefit from a morning misting?

What I'm thinking of doing (haven't yet), is lightly misting the leaf area in the early morning - thoughts? advice?

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[gmdiaz]

I had to get a cool mist humidifier for my orchids. . .to get the humidity up at all. I struggle to get 35% humidity, in the open, indoor air.

A morning mist would be nice but even better to raise the humidity all the time, if you can.