Pseudobulb problem

[elitebettas]

Hi all,
This sharry baby has had 6 new growths forever, now they are starting to swell at the base and mature, but take a look at the pics? They seem to be splitting. At a glance though, it may be that they are breaking the leaf like covering that usually flanks the sides of mature pseudobulbs? Is this normal, what can i do to make sure these bulbs develop properly?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I don't think I would worry about the leaves splitting. If the bulbs are swelling, that is probably a good thing, and the leaves not being able to get out of the way may be less than desirable, but not of any particular consequence. However, it looks to me like you may have had several growths in a row that are much smaller than the original bulbs. Just a little smaller would be OK, but these seem much smaller. I think that it is indicative of less than desirable culture. Maybe not enough light (or too much), or maybe drying out too often or two hard. It is hard to tell what could give the plant better culture, but the last things I would worry about are fertlizer and humidity. They are usually the first things people think of, but from my experience are probably the least important.

[kmarch]

I actually see this kind of leaf splitting on alot of the big beefy Oncidiums we see at shows. I do not grow many Oncidiums so I dont' know too much about it but I did hear one person say this leaf splitting can be reduced by slightly more fertilizer when the new growth is starting, stating that if the growth is bigger initially it will not be as stretched by the expanding pseudobulb.

I would be very interested in hearing what other Oncidium growers here on the forum think of that.

Also almost every one of my Cymbidiums has a bit of this leaf splitting with no long-term detrimental effects.

[elitebettas]

Thanks guys,
Cynthia: I was a bit worried too that they were small but they just started to swell and continue to do so noticably every couple of days, also lots of new roots coming out, i do think you are right on though with respect to culture, not evenly moist, will change and see
Thanks