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

To answer quinnfyre's last question, it's been a few years at least and this is not the only one that people haven't corrected, simply the most common one. As for wrinkly pseudobulbs, a good watering regime and high relative humidity will help, but remember that the prime purpose of a pseudobulb is to be a storage tank. The plant uses it if and when it needs it. It's also a question of genetics. Some plants simply have nice round PBs, some don't. Julie P.S. Arthur's comment about simplifying watering in general are well placed, especially as your collections grow. I now have a Darwinian approach to my orchids and houseplants - only the tough that thrive with my growing conditions and habits will stay in my collections and be joined by other similar-minded plants. The rest hit the road (aka members' sales tables at the show or the raffle table) or the garbage bin. You really have to wow me to get special care and there's only one "special care" tray... It was tough at first, but I'm much happier with my collection now and everything is growing and blooming nicely.

all nice pics~ your plants look great! electric or gas heat?? I've had some catts lose their buds since cutting on propane heaters 3 nights ago, such a bummer seeing that; I'd had the heaters serviced so they'd burn 'clean', I think that's all that would have done it, tho. My goal: solar heat :)

When you cut the flower spike off too early in its formation,the plants tend to just grow another one. Usually Mango growers wait until it has tiny proto fruit on the spike..then,cut the spike and the tree seems satisfied with that and resumes foliage growth.