Oncidnium -- Need bigger pot?

[Gryphon]

This should be a simple question, or, well, couple!

1. Erm, does this Oncidnium (pics below) need a bigger pot? It just finished blooming, and now has new growth, so I guess time to repot (still in it's original mix at the moment) but not sure how much room it needs for the two new shoots (psuedobulbs?)? Which, of course, are at the edges of the pot.

2. Can I just soak the whole plant/cover it all in soap-water during the repot process, or is it better to just wipe down the leaves/plant and only soak the roots?

3. Not a question per se, but I figure bark'll be okay? Or would it be happier with something else? I'm in a dry climate and tend to either underwater or overwater.

[switchblade]

most definitely needs a larger pot.

[bearded orchid]

I would up to the next size. The pot should be just large enough to accommodate the roots (usually able to fit one finger between the root ball and the side of the pot)

A bark mix would work as would sphagum moss. If you do go with bark, I would try to get a fine-grade mix. The fine roots on this orchid would appreciate the increased surface area to cling to and absorb water/food provided by smaller bark pieces.

A mild soap blend to wash down the leaves shouldn't be a problem when you repot. Just give it a good rinse afterwards

It certainly looks like a happy plant. Good growing

[1joyceh]

lots of new growth..great job Gryphon
I used coir chunks for my oncidiums, will hold some moisture, but still give good drainage.

[sunshine]

Most definitely needs a repot. Your pbulbs look a little dehydrated. I put just a tad of fertilizer in my water when I soak. These are a good candidate for s/h where they are such water hogs I have several in s/h and also use medium coco chop bark and perlite which helps with the moisture but also makes a nice airy mix.


Oncidium & Odontoglossum Orchid Care - Carter and Holmes Orchids Culture

[Gryphon]

So for bigger pot, I guess go to a 6" one? It's in a tall 4" one at the moment.

Sunshine -- Yeah, the p-bulbs are often a bit shriveled unless I really water, water, water...which I'm not sure is a good idea with how packed the bark seems! I don't think there's much (if any) airflow in the pot. The p-bulbs do plump up just fine if I water it more, though (as in a bit twice a day, every day...afraid to really soak it soak it until it's repotted).

I was actually somewhat thinking about using s/h, assuming can find some locally and it's not overly expensive. I'm not sure how well it does in desert climates, though, but I'd think it'd be okay? Probably better than bark--although bark will probably be the 'backup' as more confused on coir than on s/h. I just hope don't end up killing it with the repot if that's into a completely different medium.

I've actually never fertilized it or the other still surviving orchid (a mini phal)--the only one I've used fertilizer on is the one that died, but that might not have been the problem (it hadn't been repotted, was in packed bark, and it got pretty soaked when watered...oops).