Help with oncidiums, please.

[tmeline]

I purchased two oncidiums last month, one being a "Sweet 16" and the other being a "Pacific Sunrise 'Hakalau'". The blooms have already dried up and fallen off the plants, and I'm wondering if I am doing something wrong, or if it is normal.

I have the plants in an East-facing window, and I water them once a week. The leaves are a good color; not too dark or light.

How do I take care of this situation, if there is one. Also, how do I properly take care of the orchid after the last blooms are lost? I have successfully taken care of my phalaenopsis, which just recently developed new growths after about 4-5 months without blooms, but I am worried about my oncidiums (and maybe my dendrobium, but that seems okay for now...)

[ang709]

It sounds like it is normal. Oncidium blooms do not generally last as long as Phal blooms. East window is where I have mine, too. If you haven't cut the spike back already, you can do that.

[kiwiorchids]

i have found onc blooms last as long, maybe its climate differences.....anyway, i would say you may have bought them halfway or 2/3 the way through their cycle. No worries, just cut the spike about an inch from the plant.

[Roly0217]

Like the others have said. Oncidiums' blooms only last for a couple of months at the most. You might have purchased the plants halfway there or there could had been a change in growing conditions but a month is still a good time. Like it was suggested definetely cut the spikes back. They don't branch out like Phals do.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Good advice offered on these oncidiums. They will bloom next season from the new growths. Cut the spikes off one inch above the orchid plant with a clean razor blade or sterile knife.

Cheers,
BD