Oncidium with new growth but no spikes

[ErinB]

I have what appears to be a very health Oncidium with three pseudobulbs. They are three different sizes. The largest is the mature size of a small apple and all seem to be a very happy light green. I am curious because they have all started to put out what looks like new growth. All three bulbs are doing it at the same time on both sides of each bulb. Does this mean they will not spike at all ? Do some oncidiums spike after putting out new pseudobulbs?

[snowflake311]

It all depends. I have a sherry baby that has new growth and a spike!

What kind is yours. New mature bulbs are what you need to get a spike. you will only get 1 maybe 2 spikes off a bulb. If you have a bulb that never spiked it will giving the right conditions.

[ErinB]

I am not really sure what kind of oncidium it is. I have two that are not in bloom right now. Both have new growths. One is yellow and one is dark red. I think this is the red one. If I attached the photo correctly it looked like this in bloom.

[terracotta7]

My oncidiums grow their new growth right about now, too. In the coming months that growth will mature into a new pb and off the side of each one will come a spike. That will probably make you crazy with the amount of time it takes to grow, make buds, and then finally bloom. You will probably get multiple spikes if you have multiple new growths and each matures this season.

Good luck with it all and I will look forward to seeing pictures of your blooms.

[tucker85]

I only have two oncidiums but they're both putting on new growth right. Mine are also spring bloomers so I expect spikes when the new growths are mature.

[ErinB]

Thanks for all the replies. Terracotta7 and Tucker85 are your oncidiums that are putting out new growth have they already bloomed on that pseudobulb. Mine have not they are just putting out new growth. I was wondering if I should hold my breath that they will spike or just settle in knowing I will have to wait for the new growths to mature first and they will spike?
Thanks for all the feedback it's greatly appreciated.
I tried again to attach two pictures of this orchid when it did bloom. It has been a long time since it has last bloomed because it moved across the country. This year is the first year I thought it has looked very healthy.

[snowflake311]

Give it time you might want to try and give it more light. If an orchid is not blooming it might need more light. These blooms take time. Mine took 6 months to give me a new spike. How long have you had them ?

[terracotta7]

I agree with snowflake: Time! The new growth you are seeing is a sign that the plant is happy and has a good root system. If you look around the base of the existing pbs you may even see more than one new growth. There have never been any spikes from my old pbs, just the new ones. I don't expect flowers on mine until the autumn, but I do enjoy watching the whole growth process.

Also as snowflake noted...if you haven't had many blooms you might want to move these to an area with more light. Your pbs look nice and firm and a good color and your leaves are not wrinkled, so I am thinking that you have your watering down pat.

Oncidiums were my first "success" in orchid growing. I think you are well on your way, too!

[ErinB]

Thanks everyone! I do love watching the growing process and they do seem quite happy so I will continue to be patient end enjoy the process. I hope to post exciting new pictures of spikes around fall.

[WhiteRabbit]

Mine usually spike before new growth starts, but, there may be ones that do otherwise.

Some Oncidium alliance spike from new growth before that growth is mature.