Oncidium Alliance trouble?
 

:hello...I've had this Oncidium since 2007. Last spring, I separated the plant and it actually took to that well. Now, I'm seeing both plants are actually losing leaves and bulbs are dying. Looking at the pictures, the one on the left, when they lose their leaves, they have all looked this same way with the black spots. I don't see the black spots on the leaves until they start to die. What appears to be dying looks like the older bulbs maybe? The next couple pictures are pictures of their root systems left and right respectively. To me, the roots look really good. I didn't see what I think is root rot, no bugs or anything really to make me think something is killing these guys.

I'm just not sure what to think about them. These have never bloomed, which makes me sad but maybe next year if they survive.

Is there anything special I need to do for these or are they growing (and dying) naturally? They aren't as 'glossy green' as they were when I first got the plant, which concerns me about the lighting I have them in. I've had them in a couple different places, right now they are in front of a northeast window with a little morning sun/light. I also have a lamp lite on that table at night, as well.

Thanks for any help! :bowing I tend to let orchids take their course because I get rather nervous about how to care for them and whether or not I am doing the right thing, so any help would be appreciated.

The bulbs look awful wrinkled, the plant is not getting enough water. Do you have any roots with green tips?
Joann

HI Joann -- I didn't have roots that had any green tips, but I didn't have much in the way of roots that were rotted. The roots were moist and whitish tan in color.

I kinda thought the bulbs looked like they could be watered more. I get really nervous about watering my orchids too much because they are in my house. I found some material online that said Oncidiums need more frequent watering and to be able to dry out in between. My frequent watering is about 7 to 10 days so it seems I need to step it up a bit.

If it's underwatering... my Oncidiums and their crosses are never allowed to dry out between waterings and the roots are great! Also the pb are nice plump, even the older ones. My medium is very airy...
Nicole

Yeah, that seems to be what's going on with them, underwatered :( I just got a new one a couple weeks ago, and I looked at the roots on that one, and they are nice and green. I'll keep my fingers crossed for these two and definitely water them more often. I should probably put little tags on all my pots so I know when to water them :lol: and get over this fear I may be overwatering. At least the younger blubs are looking good.

Thanks for your response.