Sharry baby watering

[j0ker918]

Does my sharry baby need to be watered more? The bulbs are firm but they have ridging. Should they be perfectly smooth?

[jpyerry]

Your pseudobulbs do look pretty dehydrated. Like I said when I gave you the Oncidium Twinkle 'Snow', you will want to water when about half of the medium is dry (at least that is what I do). Under optimal conditions, an Oncidium should not have wrinkled pseudobulbs, that being said, once they shrivel you will never be able to get them to completely plump up again. But, if you begin giving them optimal culture, they should plump up at least somewhat. My recommendation, repot into a clear pot using new medium, and from this point forward you will be able to more closely monitor the condition of the potting medium.

Justin

[j0ker918]

Thanks Justin. I'm glad you mentioned the fact that they won't ever get back to full plumpness so I know I should track my watering progress after I repot with the new forming pseudobulb. I will be repotting once its current bloom finishes.

[SurfDudeVb]

You can get your peusdobulbs to full plumpness. I have rescued quite a few Onc. that were in about the same state. A good soaking overnight to a full 2 days will make a huge difference. Most people on here might not suggest it, because of worry about root rot, but it always works for me. When I bring home an Onc. that seems in that condition I usually soak it overnight and the entire next day. Then I'll let it drain and dry for an entire day, then keep it in a tray sitting on rocks surrounded with water.

[orchids4me]

Some Oncidiums do have ridges or wrinkles as I say Some I do mean some and its normal but one seriously dehydrated is more obvious and pronounced in its wrinkles. So why I mention this is because you may see one in a store and pass it up because the P/B were wrinkled so just a pont is all I'm pointing out not all Onc pb's are smooth.
Good luck with yours