Onc Twinkle 'Red Fantasy'

[Ladyofthelakes]

Are these Onc's Slow as Molasses in January?

That is what I have entered in my journal. This bugger looks healthy. It came with spent flowers and has not spiked. It has been on my kitchen windowsill from last Jan 2010, to about two weeks ago when I put it in the grow room downstairs.

My temperature in there is a constant 61-62, with grow lights and ceiling lights with a large ceiling fan that goes 24/7.

I water with 1/2 strength fert and the last 2 weeks have used Superthrive in the mix.

This one bugs me!

[Shannara]

Oncidium types are always a challenge for me. Though I must admit to aquiring 4 this year. They do seem kinda slow unless it gets pretty warm. Mine are outside getting daytime temps now in the 80's and I am seeing new growth on each one. I am not expert but maybe it needs to be warmer for new growth and subsequent spikes?

Shann~

[Ladyofthelakes]

Thanks Shann, I will move it up to this office. Small room, warmer than the rest of the house. I'll be nicer to it.

[orchids4me]

I have a yellow one for olive I had picked up (waiting on weather to improve to send it to her). This one is slow it has now one new growth and 2 older back bulbs yellowed and dried up and I removed them. Other than that the plant now looks better than when I purchased it but it is slow..... I didn't re pot it because when I repot Oncs I have the worst luck! So far so good, Olive can repot when she gets it she seems to have good luck with them.
I had a red one before and it was in bad shape when I got it and it got worse and eventually io trashed it.
Some Oncs I'm fine with but these mini ones we don't get along at all lol.
Emmaye

[Reg22]

I bought two of those in January in full bloom. One is not red fantasy, it's Marguerite. Anyway, mine have been growing like crazy in the past month. Lots of new pseudobulbs (is that what they're called?).
They sit on a table a few feet from an east-facing window in the A/C. It's about 75 degrees during the day and 70 at night. I water them twice a week, fertilizer every 2 weeks or so - not on a strict schedule. Hope this helps.

[Ladyofthelakes]

reg22 Yes it helps ! lol I probably should not have the orchid up here.

70 degrees up here is heaven. That might happen oh, say, late June

My two Oncs will probably struggle all the time.

[Fishmom]

I got a Twinkle 'Fragrance Fantasy' in early March, carrying several spikes. It is still blooming, but near the end. I am seeing some new growth poking up from the pot. I doubt that this is the time for new spikes; my other oncs. bloom in late summer and fall. My house is in the 60-69 degree range at this time of the year.

[Ladyofthelakes]

Fishmom My home is usually 65 at day and 63 at night. Do you suppose that little difference would affect my Onc Twinkle?

[edgy]

I got this one back in Nov in 2010. It was in bloom with several spike still to bloom. They lasted into Feb of this year. I have lots of new growth on it as well...my guess is that it will start to spike again in the fall.....

[Fishmom]

Originally Posted by Ladyofthelakes

Fishmom My home is usually 65 at day and 63 at night. Do you suppose that little difference would affect my Onc Twinkle?

To be perfectly honest, I haven't a clue, but I doubt it. If anything, your conditions are much more stable than what would be expected naturally. I think it would be unusual to have only a 2 degree difference between night and day anywhere on the planet, wouldn't it?

[Ladyofthelakes]

I am happy to report that my Onc is doing better. I have continued with the Superthrive. I use the recommended amount for a gallon and now use it on all of my other plants as well.
There are new growth on the Onc. My other plants have taken off, a Purple Velvet plant has shot up and the color is gorgeous!

[Reg22]

That's great news Vivienne. I bet it enjoyed being moved to a warmer spot.

[edgy]

Mine has sent up 4 new spikes.....still a ways a way to blooming but pretty unexpected.

[-k-]

New growth = future new spikes!!!

[Ladyofthelakes]

Hey edgy That yellow Onc is gorgeous. My plant I think is bigger, but with the wrong culture, light, it did not rebloom this year. Next time for sure!