Ghost Growth: Mysterious and Exciting!?!

[bearded orchid]

So I recently procured an Oncidium from my local Lowes and it appears to have a ghost pseudobulb forming. Has anyone had experience with these before, and if so, do they require any special care. From what little I've found on them, I take it they must remain attached to a regular pseudobulb in order to survive. Beyond this I'm quite stumped and somewhat excited by the peculiarity of it all.

Pics will be up tomorrow as I'm currently on my smartphone

[1joyceh]

Very curious!!
Can't wait for the pictures...

[orchids4me]

Wow never heard this term used or have seen it. I'm very excited to see what this is and anticipate the pics. This sounds pretty interesting.

[Daethen]

I agree, never heard the term.

[TheBlazingAugust]

Originally Posted by bearded orchid

Pics will be up tomorrow as I'm currently on my smartphone

You know you're an orchid addict when . . . You go on orchid forums with your smart phone!

[bearded orchid]

Alright, as promised, here are a couple shots of my Oncidium with what I believe is a ghost pseudobulb...

Onc. Gower Ramsey 'Orange Delight'


A closeup


So, any thoughts or experiences? What I found online stated this is caused by a lack of chlorophyll in the leaves (sort of an albino plant I guess) and that it will be fine and grow normally as long as it remains attached to the plant. It will starve otherwise as it is unable to complete photosynthesis on its own. Is this correct?
The plant looks very healthy overall with firm green leaves and 5 mature pseudobulbs. It does need to be repotted though as the moss it came in is rather decrepit.

If it is just fine and dandy, I think it will be pretty neat to see this mature. I may end up with a pure white pseudobulb with long white leaves Hmmm.... I wonder what the flowers would look like if it bloomed from it

[koshki]

Albino was exactly what I thought when I saw the photo. Interesting situation...can't wait to hear what other have to say!

[bearded orchid]

Originally Posted by TheBlazingAugust

You know you're an orchid addict when . . . You go on orchid forums with your smart phone!

Haha, you got me
However, I have a legitimate excuse as I don't have internet available at home. My phone is my only regular way to post and view online. I have to go into town with my laptop otherwise.

[kip]

I've seen this happen with Neofinetias, but never Oncidiums. The ghost growth will die when it can no longer receive nutrients from the parent plant. If it lasts long enough to bloom, the flower color should be normal. This type of mutation usually only affects chlorophyll production, not flower pigments.

[bearded orchid]

Thank you, kip! I thought I found something special when I saw this guy. I hope it does grow big and strong as it would really be something unique to have

[berkeleysgr8]

Very interesting... I've never seen that sort of thing before.

[1joyceh]

I hope it grows up and flowers too!! Very cool