That's a nice one. I have two mule-ear oncidiums. Now they're classified as Trichocentrum (Trt.) but they're still often refered to as oncidiums. They've been trouble free orchids for me. In my limited experience they seem to tolerate a fairly wide range of conditions. I grow them in a free draining cattleya type medium. As far as your experience with roots and flowers. Some orchids bloom very well when they're under stress. I think they're trying to reproduce before dying. I hope you can save that one. I think they're very nice orchids and not many people grow them anymore.