Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Two Colors'

[JoeW]

I have adopted this Onc. Sharry Baby 'Two Colors'. The pseudobulbs in the middle are shot. The newest growth outside to either side is still immature. The pot is a 5 incher and the medium is fir bark. The roots are not rotted but the medium is done for. Any suggestions on what to do?
The brown items in the middle are dead pseudobulbs.

Developing pseudobulb on end.


Thanks, Joe

[Becky15349]

I vote for repotting into hydroton!!! I have a sharry baby in S&H right now and it just LUVVV's it!! It has maniac roots all over the place inside the container.Its a great way to keep their roots hydrated yet give them air and root growing space. Just repot it, remove as much dead stuff as you can and all the dead roots, repot into hydroton and keep it in a low intensity light area for 3 weeks, then slowly increase light levels. Go for it!!

[cindiras]

Looks to me like the decaying psuedo bulbs are in the center with growths going in two directions from them. If that is the case, it may be better to remove the decaying center bulbs and repot each "half" into it's own pot. Then you'll have two Sharry Babys.

[Cjcorner]

I agree with the above...your middle p-bulbs look iffy. I'd make sure and include a treatment for bacteria and fungus when you repot it or them. I'd make sure and cut away anything brown and squishy. And make sure whatever you touch and all your tools are cleaned well afterwards. That'll keep you from transferring that rot bacteria to a healthy plant later on.
Connie

[frostedeyes]

ur oncidium looks a bit dry! if u can find osmunda fiber better use it for medium im pretty happy with mine... try not to damage when ur going to repot... since u said theres new g rowth forming might stunt or delayed the flowering. and try inducing some root hormone in your sprayer... it might heal and bounce back its vigor.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Yes, repot after dividing. Oncidiums (especially Sharry Baby) will grow fast and soon you will have two giants.

Cheers,
BD

[frostedeyes]

cut the brown bulbs. and tie it properly... its will look good and have proper growth for future growth. i dont like dividing my sharry baby. i found out back bulbs do supply nutrients on new bulbs.i have one which i divided and the sprays were fine but some of the buds didnt bloom. on the other hand the one i didnt divide all the buds matured and blooms happily! i dunno if im right but i think giving more spike and buds! and matured all the buds as well.. i dats what ive observed. and after repotting use fungicide! it will dry all the unwanted, dead, roots and unwanted bulbs will dry out! :P i think!

[JoeW]

Thanks, guys, for the interest and advice. I will get to it. Joe