Mule ear oncidiums in semihydroponics?

[Lucinda Brown]

Was just curious if anyone out there that's used semihydroponics has tried a mule ear type oncidium in it with any success?Checked out firstray's because I've started trying some they mention in it,but found only pschopsis-similar to mule ear type oncidiums mentioned and done successfully.Anyone?

[jerrymeola]

I use S/H extensively (mostly without a water base) but have mixed failings about Oncidium and any orchid with very thin leaves like these. I feel not enough root is touching the stones. I have nothing to confirm this but it is my generally feeling.

Most commercial growers grow in Sphag to keep them much wetter than the home hobbyist would keep them. When wet like this they need very good air circulation.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Jerry, mule ear Oncidiums have leaves thicker than Catt leaves. My only comment is that normally mule ears like to be very dry during winter, so you may want to remove the reservoir during winter and water only once every two or three weeks, until you see new growth starting.

[desertgal]

Jerry, please explain more thoroughly about using S&H without a water base. I am interested in putting some paphs in S&H. The bark they are in is too big and they dry out too fast. I am going to repot them but am undecided as to what to use. I bought a 7 growth Dongoldi paph and it arrived in Aliflor, seems to be doing OK.

[beezermommy]

Does anyone know if mule ear oncidiums have spotted leaves? I was given a bare root orchid with spotted leaves by a friend and she said it was a mule eaar oncidium and it will get purple flowers. Thanks.

[BGGraham1]

does it look like this one? Google Images

[phalaephila]

Yes, mule ear oncidiums can have spotted leaves. I have the species Trichocentrum lanceanum, and the leaves are green with darker green spotting. Here's a link from Ecuagenera Orchids with a photo:

Trichocentrum lanceanum -

[zaeem]

I have a mule ear not exactly the type u mention.Maybe?

[Ray]

"S/H without the water base" is not semi-hydroponics at all, but simply the use of an inert medium for traditional culture.

Mule ears are no problem, and I have never given any a winter rest period.

For plants requiring winter rests, S/H growers successfully use one of two techniques:

• Do the traditional approach and empty the reservoir so the pots dry out.
• Continue watering, but with absolutely no fertilizer.

If you grow in a dry environment, that second approach might be better to keep pseudobulbs plump during the period of dormancy.

[lmartiny]

I mounted my mule ear Onc. and it seems rather happy. It has thicker leaves like a Catt as mentioned above. I generally keep it in the GH and it gets squirted with the hose when I get to it. It is spiking now and will likely open while I'm gone. (I'm away at the beach for a week) I planned to post a pict when I return..

[beezermommy]

OK - what I seem to have is a mule ear oncidium, but the flower is very small white with a purple lip. Anyone know what this is??? Thanks.