Can you help me with my Oncidium?

[desertgal]

I purchased an Oncidium 'Sweet Sugar' orchid that I believe was divided and repotted just before I received it. It does not seem to have a good root system as it is very loose in the pot. It was in spike when I purchased it and currently has a beautiful spray of 'dancing ladies'. My problem. The pusedo bulbs (there are only 2) are very shriveled despite careful watering. My research says that if the bulbs shrivel they are not getting enough water. Should I repot it when it is through blooming? When can I expect new growth? It is the only Oncidium that I have and it is on a table near the window where it receives sunlight part of the day.

[jerrymeola]

Do not increase the water if you truly think it has been recently re-potted. Splitting a plant puts it into stress and it uses very little water. If it was loose in the pot you are right and it may be a new splitting, or split early in the spring before flowering and has not filled the pot as of yet.

I find oncidium bulbs often shrivel followed by new growth. Enjoy the flowers and give it time.

[desertgal]

Will it be safe to repot it after it is finished blooming? It is in a small dark plastic pot. I want to put it in a clear plastic pot. I've purchased some
potting mix made for oncidiums and after reading your post on SuperThrive I've ordered some. In reading the posts on repotting I see that some
wash the roots. Is this a good idea? I will also be repotting a couple of Thals that came in 2 inch pots. I live in a small desert community in the Imperial Valley in very Southern California. The only source for orchids here is WalMart (haven't bought any there) and our local Von's Supermarket. Out of 6 Phals obtained there only one lost its buds. When I repotted it I found that it had only one live root. With fertilizing and careful watering it is now growing new leaves and roots. Amazing to me is that after six months the drooping leaves have now plumped up and are standing up like they should.

[jerrymeola]

If you mve the plant from its curent pot to a new one you can do it without disturbing the roots, and it will act like nothing ever happened.

If the potting medium is decaying then it should be removed and replaced, but if it looks good just slide the plant out and into a new pot.

The American Orchid Society a few years ago had an article about putting extra holes in the sides of plastic pots by using a hot glue gun to burn the holes before puting the orchid inside. This increases air circulation if you want to try.

I find that my Oncidium Sweet Sugar likes to be watered a couple of times a week. If you think the bulbs are too shriveled, mist them.

follow jerry's advice. my experience is that oncs and their ilk,lol, hate having their roots messed with.