Blooms dropping on my oncidium

[DEC]

I have a Brassa x Rex that I purchased in full bloom about 2 weeks ago that is starting to drop blooms at the rate of 1 a day. The flower turns a purplish color before it drops. It looks healthy and is drying but still has a little moisture. I had it in a place where it was getting about 2 hours morning sun but just yesterday I moved it to where its getting about 6 hours of morning sun.


Here is a picture of the entire plant.

[jeffrey6115]

Is the anther cap in place? Did the pollenia get removed accidentally? Pollen removal can make flowers do that. Just a thought.

[DEC]

Wow! I have no idea what an anther cap or a pollenia is, but the plant hasn't been molested or damaged while I had it.

[jeffrey6115]

Even though this shows a cattleya flower this can help you identify the parts I refer to.

The pollen and anther cap could have been accidentally knocked off during transport.

[kiwiorchids]

Yes, i would agree Jeff, I have had Cymbidiums that have been polinated and the base of the labellum goes a brilliant red, no matter the species/ hybrid. Also i have known, Oncidium alliance in particular do this, that flowers may become discoloured as they finish/age, so it may NOT be the anther cap/pollinia, it may just be an aged and finished bloom.

[jrfehon]

I have a very similar oncidium and it looks like it's a natural ending to the bloom cycle. That type of orchid seems to have the domino effect, once one flower starts going they all follow pretty quickly. The plant looks really healthy and those guys are reliable bloomers so you should get at least one spike next year.

-Jason

[DEC]

Thank you for all your input. I'm going with the theory that it's just completing it's cycle. One other question, should I cut the spike after they all drop? if so, how long should I wait after the flowers drop and how short should I cut it.
Thanks again.

[kiwiorchids]

I would cut it at the same height as the pseudobulb, so pretty much cut level with the tip of the pbulb. I would cut now if its on its way out, unless you are planning seeds

[DEC]

Two more questions if I may, first the plant has about 10 pseudobulbs, should I divide it now into more plants and if so how will that effect the next? Secondly, is this the time to repot and or divide or should I wait untill fall.

[jeffrey6115]

If you want to divide when repotting would be the time. Repot when you see new root growth starting. That's always the best time.