My Oncidium (Onc. Alliance, unknown what kind) is grown in LFSM, in a hanging wicker basket, outside in zone 9a. It is much happier in these conditions than it was grown inside in zone 6a (where I moved from and where it was purchased). It gets dappled bright light most of the day, and in the summer I water it every other day. Most of the p.bulbs look good except the biggest one, which has never resembled anything other than a raisin :) In case you were wondering: I let it live outside until the temps get below 55 degrees or so. ( it only gets watered about once a week, if that when the temps drop). I'm thinking of getting a paph. next spring to see if it will grow under these same conditions. I've never tried paphs before, but would love to if they're as easy and outdoor-friendly as my Oncidium... ~AOK

It's almost alarming how much water oncidiums like. Organic Kermit is spot on when he says, "Bulbs should not shrivel. Mine used to until I starting watering them more and using a medium like sphag that holds water better. They want more water then what you think." Mine here in central Jersey indoors got watered every fourth day, and outside at least twice a week, more often in the heat of the summer. The medium holds lots of moisture. Once the bulb shrivels, it rarely plumps out again. The new bulbs, however, should be okay.

When you first pot an orchid with fir bark, soak the bark in water for a few hours or a day. Drain the water and then repot. Dry bark right out of the bag will repell water at first. Again, if you have trouble with the bark drying out too fast, mix in some perlite and ground peat. I don't suggest dunking a pot of orchids in a bucket of water. If you use the same water for different plants, this transmits disease including virus. This was a mistake years ago when people had bad scale or mealy bug problems and would dunk each infested plant into the same insectticide dip. Well, you know what? It takes just ONE virused plant to infect everyone of those other dunked plants. When you do water, use a good watering wand with that has changeable settings on the head. Put it on a nice slow shower and hold soak the plant thoroughly. This takes time if you have a large collection (it takes me a while to get every plant, but it gives you a chance to check each plants health). Yes, water will run through. It should. Water in the morning so the plant has time to dry off. On a hot summer day, you may need to mist the plants several times. But don't do it before nightfall. I keep my fans going 24/7 in my greenhouses so they get plenty of air circulation. So even if they were wet by evening, they dry out during the night, like in the wild.

Thanks to all! Couple of questions, couple of answers and some background on this long term but temporary acquisition. Interested in the growth process cycle and lineage. Also the hybrid benefits, differences from the parent species, the "why" was this hybrid invented?". I cannot consider growing big catt types. I'm primarily a species gal; prefeing fussy little cloud forest types. ;-) to Arthur. I have an interesting opportunity with BLC. This is BLC's 2nd visit to me. I think he likes me or maybe he is just using me for my better conditions! This orchid was received in bloom by it's owner in Dec. At least a dozen blooms. Last bloom droppped in ~ mid Mar. It initially came to me in underlight- over watered condition, moderate root rot, fungus; treated. Common for the source of this plant. Consistently muddy medium from the retailer. I'll leave it there. Some of the canes were snipped off (Owner not retailer). Stabilized & greened him up but he was returned to the lesser conditions. Managed to squeeze out 1 final, late bud for the return. Owner does not have conditions to rebloom but great conditions to maintain blooms. Let's be honest, its a space hog & not very attractive out of bloom. When it buds, It will be returned again. Moderate- heavy mist damage to some leaves. I also cut it, no choice. Potted up a couple of very rotted, damaged rootless canes seperately. The cutting has a new PB/leaf too, very pink to red/violet. (an experiment in light and recovery possibilities, rather than tossing the piece to the dust bin) Now that I have opened this discussion, I have put my eye closer to BLC. No sign of new growth from the unharmed PB's ....yet. Leaves & PB's are a bit shriveled and leathery, I assume from the earlier root loss? Mainly the oldest roots were lost. Tried to cut the only the minimum. Again assuming that any root loss can cause the plant to desiccate. Not sure if there was sufficient root loss to cause this or if it was a combination of issues. Not over-watering as a remedy. I recall the advise of giving best light and normal watering as the remedy. Not wondering if BLC needs or takes a rest now or he should have taken a rest last month? If so what would be "normal watering" and cultural recommendations at this point? New growths (3 total) have come only from the damaged areas. Fascinating repair but may be misleading me? If BLC should be having his rest, how should I care for him? He is at mid- upper 70's day, never over 80F and 60-65ºF nights, good RH. I do not mist. Clint mentioned the wet /dry cycle which is noticeably more rapid as the weather is warming. Concerned about over- watering a plant that could be in rest and some distress. But then again, more light/ heat more water. It gets somewhat confusing at this time of year, if you can see my point. Advise please? Slow it down? Maintain it? Leaves/PB's grow in numerous directions. It came to me the 1st time hooped in plastic pot and could not remain upright. Its one reason why I chose to basket with bark mix and a tiny bit of spag mixed in. The owner has a very heavy watering arm. Can't get him to relinquish the misting bottle. Jane I can see the advantages of plastic. Arthur the larger PB's average 20 cm (8") from bark to beginning of leaf. A few ~8cms (3-4"). Leaves average 25cm's (~10") no matter the height of the PB; some curling and twisting profusely. It appears almost vineous; one continous connected series of PB's that span ~ 24cms (9.5~). I have it potted on the diagonal. I don't grow plants of this size, so for an indoor grower like me, mammoth! I know that I have many questions in this post, but I think we can agree that everyone has had this kind of oopsie at one time in their growing history or has purchased a plant they could not possibly maintain in their conditions. Clara (pumping up the bicep BLC style)