My little rescue!

[chrispowell1979]

Hi, I've recently rescued this plant for a neighbour and was wondering what would be the best course of action. It was being thrown out as, and i qoute 'it hasn't done anything for ages!' it has some new leaves but they are wrinkly (is this normal?) also it generally looks unhappy as seasoned growers what would you do to improve it and why? Thank-you in advance.

[kmarch]

The wrinkled leaves are a sign of underwatering. You'll notice the pseudobulbs are wrinkled too. This looks like an Oncidium Alliance orchid. check out our Oncidium culture sheet here or go to AOS | Home. Give it a read and let us know if you have questions. But feel free to start watering it!

[patticake]

Hi! Check out sheets that kmarch suggested. That's one big pseudobulb! I would definately give it a good soak, let dry etc. Increase the watering and light. I think it will plump up nice! The new growth(lighter green) looks good. It's just been allowed to dry out too much between waterings- That's my guess. I wouldn't try to re-pot it right now either.
Please keep us posted! I would love to see the blooms that belong to that fat pseudobulb!!!

[Chele]

Oooooh -- lucky you! Wish my neighbor would throw her orchids away - in my direction. She has a bunch of wild orchids she's found here and there and she used to really take good care of them but not so much anymore.

The gorgeous blooms she once got on her plants is what got me interested. She saw my (new) backyard a few weeks ago and just flipped out. She thought I had only the one orchid -- she was floored. She is a 'keep up with the Jones' type person, so I hope it encouraged her to start taking care of her orchids again.

[chrispowell1979]

Thank's ever so much for the advice, I'll keep you posted on the progress. I too am looking forward to the flowers if they come this year, if not this year any time will be fine and i definatly WON'T be getting rid! Cheers everyone.