Need culture info for Wils.

[Danelady]

I got a Wilsonara at the Atlanta Orchid Show in March. So far it doesn't seem to be too happy! A few of the blooms opened after I got it home, but not all of them. I think it needs repotted since it is leaning more and more, almost falling out of it's pot! I have found very little culture info on Wils. in general and what I have found says the care can vary greatly!
The tag says: Wils. Dan Gold HOF #6 (exactly as it appears on the tag)
Any help would be greatly appreciated, ie. light preference, potting medium, watering needs, etc!
I've included some pictures. The first one is of the freshest bloom. Most of them are falling off now.



The next 2 photos you can see how much it is leaning.


From what I have been able to find out the wrinkly pseudobulb is normal.

[trinigirl]

I have a few Wils. I give them the same care as for oncidiums. Some of their pbulbs are wrinkled also.

Looks like your plant could use some stabilizing. A good time to repot is after blooming when new growth and roots start.

Pretty choice!

[Danelady]

Originally Posted by trinigirl

I have a few Wils. I give them the same care as for oncidiums. Some of their pbulbs are wrinkled also.

Looks like your plant could use some stabilizing. A good time to repot is after blooming when new growth and roots start.

Pretty choice!

Thanks!
Any idea why so few blooms opened for me? I had 4-5 on each spike open. At the tip of each there were several tiny buds that never finished developing.

[hulaorchid]

I think a repot is needed for mine too!! I love the color of yours!! Pretty pink!!

[janet_a]

i had to put mine in s/h to keep it from shriveling entirely, but it's still growing and it bloomed again for me; i agree you should repot to get the plant more upright.

[lmartiny]

Such a pretty bloom. Funny you bring up Wilsonara.
Mine always had shriveled Pbulbs, it struggled for a year. It is on it's last gasp.

[solay]

I love that bloom. The colors and shape. Sorry, I don't have much advice to help since I don't own one of these. I want one now though.

[jerrymeola]

Wils are some of the easiest Oncidium to grow. I am surprised at the problems members are having. They do not need any special care. Treat as any other Oncidium.

The picture is of a very young first bloom plant. Between shipping, heat, lack of water at the show, and movement; the plant just decided to discard its buds to save its strength.

I have mixed feelings about re-potting. The plant is young and a long way from pot bound. I might just put a stake in the pot and let the new roots stabilize the plant.

I am finding all orchid flowers are fading faster than normal in the heat at shows in Florida and yours may just be the same cause.

[Aviva]

I recently bought this exact same plant - the label matches precisely. I have also been searching for information on this specific orchid. My problems are similar to yours, although the spike on mine is very upright and sturdy. However, the roots seem to be turning brown and mushy. I think I am over watering it because I was concerned about the pseudobulb becoming so wrinkled. After reading this forum, it seems that this is normal.

Should I let it dry out completely between waterings? I am a college student, do you think the orchid would be okay if I leave it in my room over an academic break? How long can I leave it without watering it? - it is in an east facing window, the winters here in Appleton, WI get very dry.

Thanks so much, I am just a beginner at raising orchids.

[Danelady]

I have been doing the opposite to mine. I think I have not been watering mine enough. I have been watering it once a week. The medium it is potted in allowes it to dry quickly. I think I may start watering it twice a week, not sure yet. I have started misting the roots between watering, though.

[fred]

Oncidium culture is the best for wills
psbulbs shrivel mostly for 2 reasons 1 lack of water 2 when the chid is in spike the spike takes all the goodness out of the psbulb.
also when a psbulb has new growth the psbuls can shrivel as well.
I would not worry about a repot yet to be honest

I am not saying for you to do this but all my wills are potted in Sphagnum moss
in the warmer weather I was lightly misting my wills each day ( early morning )