Should I be reporting this oncidium sharry baby?

[Jeff214]

Hi,

I have an Oncidium sharry baby that's growing voraciously. I have new shoots growing tightly in-between existing p-bulbs which appears detrimental to the new growth.

I'm not worried about the plant becoming too large but I am worried if over crowding is hurting the health of the plant. Should I devide this oncidium up to give new shoots some breathing space or leave it be?

Thanks for any advice.

[jcec1]

I would repot. I find it hard to keep them moist enough when they get really crowded in a pot like that. If you have room don't split it, you could end up with a great specimen plant.

[bil]

Either split if you want small plants, or repot in something much bigger if you want a large plant. Large plants have more blooms.

[charlesf6]

Nice plant Dude!

[estación seca]

I repot when the medium is old or the plant is crowded in the pot. We know you have the second case, and I bet it's been in there at least two years.

I would keep it together for a more magnificent show. Pick a pot that will hold it for the next 2 years' growth. You can guesstimate the size needed from the size of the current mature pseudobulbs.

[Jeff214]

Thanks,

I was more worried about the new growth wedged in between the old growths. I don't really see much space for the p-bulbs to grow in the tight crevasse. If that's not an issue, I'll just repot and not divide.

You're right, I started with 1 p-bulb about 2 years ago and now it's unstoppable...! I'll shoot for a specimen plant.

[Dollythehun]

I pondered the same question. This becomes a large plant. Here is before and after. Notice how comfortably it takes up a third of a shelf. It was impossible to keep it wet enough, even leaving water in the bottom of it's (former) glass container.

[jkofferdahl]

I agree with repotting, and am glad you've decided NOT to divide it. I love specimen plants.

[Jeff214]

I have it currently potted in bark but always on a saucer filled with water. I water it once a day. It seems like it likes being submerged in water...

Would you suggest that I repot in sphagnum moss for better water retention? I have another oncidium doing well in sphagnum moss that is always wet.

[Dollythehun]

I used fir bark and mixed in chopped spag. I am going to switch them all to that. I always pot in clay too.