Is this a Spike?

[tdewiggins]

Hello Orchid World!

I am new to this site and also new to growing orchids - but I am having a blast so far and excited to see if I can get my oncidium (dancing lady) to rebloom. I got it about 2 mnths ago and it was in bloom for about 3 weeks before they wilted. I cut back both spikes and now I have this tightly braided growth from the base of one of the pseudobulbs and I was hoping it was a spike...? My only concern is that the braided part is now loosening up and it looks like leaves are now forming at the top? I have attached a picture...can anyone explain to me what this is??

Thank you!

[orchidea]

Welcome to the forum!
What you have there is a new growth that is eventually will grow a new spike..
It's going to get fat just like the older PB's you have there.
You will learn soon that everything orchids do is exciting, not only blooming, because new growths and new roots lead to the spikes and then flowers.
Good thing is that it's doing something. That's a nice indication that you are doing something right!
Good job!

[tdewiggins]

Thank you!

Bonus question for you - when would I replant my oncidium? It seems like all my pseudobulbs are too crowded...

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by tdewiggins

Thank you!

Bonus question for you - when would I replant my oncidium? It seems like all my pseudobulbs are too crowded...

Now would be a good time. As that new growth matures it will put out lots of new roots, if it hasn't started already. The new roots will help it get established in the new pot quickly.

[orchidea]

I agree with PaphMadMan, now is the good time. But, I would read first some instructions on how to re-pot an Onc., if this is your first orchid.....

[tdewiggins]

Will definitely read up on how - and thank you for your responses

[Fishmom]

Welcome, tdewiggins! If you go to the potting medium section of this forum and do a search for "oncidium", you will get several threads discussing possible materials to pot your plant in. It is important to remember that oncidiums like plenty of water, especially when in active growth. So the medium you choose needs to hold some moisture, or else you will need to water more frequently. Think about your growing conditions and how much fussing you want to do, and choose accordingly. Orchids will grow in many different materials if you adjust your watering habits to their needs and provide adequate air to the roots.

One source for good planting mixes is Repotme.com, if you don't want to mix your own or don't have access to what you want. I've used their classic Oncidium mix on a number plants with success. I also have an Onc. Sharry Baby growing in LECA, semi-hydroponically. (There's a section on the forum for Semi/Hydroponic growing also). That one is huge and very happy.

[orchids4me]

Hello and welcome to the forum
Seems you got a lot of help here so far
Read up on it. And under care and cultivation are the AOS culture sheets clik on Oncidium and there you find information that will help you with the orchid as well.
Good luck with your Oncidium hang out here long enough and you will have a house full of many genera