When to repot an oncidium

[sewagner86]

I recently purchased an oncidium Wilsonara Firecat 'King Snake'. It is potted in sphagnum moss in a pot I can't see thru. My other oncidiums are potted in an oncidium mix from repotme and i like that much better since i am not as worried about overwatering it. My new plant is in spike but has not bloomed yet. Can I repot it? Will it damage the spike?

[Ray]

The ideal time to repot any orchid is just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant.

It may set the flowering back if you repot it now, but if you think the current potting medium is putting the plant at risk, you may not have a choice but to repot. Better to risk a few blossoms than the entire plant.

However, if you can find a way to "baby" it until it gets to the "new roots" stage, it might be the best of both worlds. For example, rather than soaking the moss, try setting the pot in a shallow tray, and add water to that. the moisture will be wicked up to the root system without saturating the moss.

Yeah - maybe a bit of a pain compared to your regular methods, but you'll get there after enjoying the show!

[estación seca]

I wouldn't repot an Oncidium I just bought in spike. There is a high chance of losing the flowers. They do fine in sphagnum moss so long as you don't keep it sopping wet. When you water just run water over the top quickly. Don't aim to soak all the moss.