Can severely shriveled pseudobulbs recover? - Orchid Board

Blondie · #1 04-01-2009, 12:35 AM

I was a bad owner and really screwed up the watering of a certain orchid I have-- Mclna. Pagan Love Song 'Chocolate Thunder' HCC/AOS. I'm not very good with the pseudobulbs. Anyway, now it's super wrinkled like you wouldn't believe. Oddly enough, it's still alive.

I repotted it recently, and the roots were fine and healthy. Now it has a side offshoot--not sure what it is? Perhaps a new bulb? Anyway, is there any way to plump these puppies up again? It's been this shriveled for about 6 months. I'm watering it once a week now after my little "problem" with watering it properly, but the bulbs have never "refluffed" themselves. I'd like to try and get them to be healthier if I can. Thanks!

Bloomin_Aussie · #2 04-01-2009, 12:53 AM

They don't look THAT shrivelled at the moment. The plant doesn't look unhappy anyway. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just keep to your regular watering/feeding schedule. You'll find that the new growth (yes that little shoot will be a new pseudobulb) will be a lot rounder looking.

melatie · #3 04-01-2009, 01:18 AM

I agree with Bloomin Aussie. Don't worry about the older bulbs. Mine plumped up after a while...a loong while...but it happened...hihihi... Here's a pic of how my baby looks now...

Bolero · #4 04-01-2009, 01:28 AM

I agree with the first two, they do plump up over time if they are watered regularly.

WhiteRabbit · #5 04-01-2009, 01:31 AM

Blondie -
Some of the oncidium types the older pbulbs are just shriveled. . I have a some that look like that too. I wouldn't worry about it.
And yes, the new growth will become a pbulb! Your plant seems pretty happy

Blondie · #6 04-01-2009, 10:20 AM

Whew! Well, when I first got the plant, they were nice and full, so I've been feeling guilty. I'll just keep up with it and see what I can do. Thank you so much for your support.

Bloomin_Aussie · #7 04-01-2009, 07:03 PM

They may swell a little bit more over a long period but probably won't go back to being how they were before... that's just the way the plant grows.

The food stores in the old pseudobulbs are used to grow the new ones. Once the new pseudobulb has matured, it will be used as the main food store and the oldest bulb will eventually be drained of its resources, shrivel completely and die off.

Lagoon · #8 04-01-2009, 07:16 PM

The bulbs don't look that old yet - the leaves are still in good health.

Instead of just the regular type of watering ... I would soak the orchid for the next 2 or 3 times for 20/30min. Then just water as needed.
She'll be fine, good luck

Bolero · #9 04-02-2009, 03:53 AM

I have several plants with bulbs in the same condition. I think you'll be fine.

orchidsamore · #10 04-02-2009, 07:14 AM

Most Oncidium Alliance will shrivel on the plant. It is one way they grow.

You would need a consistent regular system of watering in quantity and it still might not stop the shriveling.

My Oncidium get daily rain of 1-3 hours every day from May to October and manual watering 30 minutes to an hour 2-4 times a week during the winter months.

About half are plump and half shrivel but all flower well.