oncidium repot decision

[lobotomizedgoat]

I picked up this oncidium in mid-Sept just as its first flowers were opening. The last bud is on the brink of opening now, but the plant has also started growing new roots (at least 1) to go with a new pseudobulb it began a few weeks ago. Now seems to be my window to repot but I'm not entirely sure that it needs it. My main reasons for wanting to are:

+The media (small bark & sphagnum) looks and smells a bit old, though, the smell may have actually improved some since I've had it.
+I'd prefer a pot of more ventilation
+There are tiny bugs in the media which I was hoping to more effectively remove/kill while repotting (more on that later)
+It might need the space?

On the other hand:

-I'm new and not very confident in my assessment of media
-It seems to be growing fine at the moment.
-The bugs haven't caused any visible damage while I've had it
-It might lose flowers (ok, that one is silly)


Anyone have advice or insight?


Regarding the bugs:

Almost all the plant's leaves have small black spots on their undersides. Those with more also have a wrinkled look I've read that black spots are common for some oncidiums, but this seems excessive, and those leaves certainly appear less healthy. That said, I regularly inspect and wipe the leaves and I've seen no indication of spider mite infestation, nor have the spots proliferated as far as I can tell. So far the new growth is clean.

The critters in the media appear to like staying there. I only once found one wandering on a leaf - it was barely a spec without magnification, which revealed a small possibly mite-like shape scurrying around with two long antennae searching in front of it. A couple times I also spotted (magnified) small red-brown-ish specs slowly moving up a couple roots. (There are also at least 2 baby spiders that are apparently finding enough food to grow - I'm happy to let them keep their job)

[Ray]

I think your assessment that the plant needs to be repotted is solid. If you detect foul odors, it is likely there is some significant decomposition happening.

The fact that the plant is “growing fine” should be better stated, adding “for now”. The reasons you want to repot are valid. “More room” may not be absolutely necessary, but the plant is certainly at the point where moving up in pot size will not be harmful.

Based upon the emergence of that single root, I’d say you still have a few weeks in that “window” to enjoy the flowers.

That one photo might indicate mites, bit I’ll let more knowledgeable folks address the leaf issues more deeply.