Problem with oncidium flower spike?
 

This is my first oncidium (NOID). A few days ago, I noticed a growth appearing at the base of one of the pseudobulbs and as the growth has gotten larger, now I see that it appears to be a flower spike which is exciting. However, unfortunately it seems to be growing in an "S" shape with the base of the spike protruding in a curve between the pseudobulb and the base of the leaf. I peeked inside the leaf on the right and the tip of the spike is enclosed within. What could be causing it to grow in this manner? Do I need to intervene somehow, or just let it be? Is there any hope of it producing flowers if it continues growing like this?

This is not an unusual problem. It just happens sometimes, and there's probably nothing you should or could have done differently. The tip of the spike is caught in the base of the leaf. You just need to very carefully pull the two sides of the leaf bract apart and release the tip of the spike. It will continue to grow and mostly straighten out. Remember that young spikes are very tender, so you must be very careful not to snap the spike.

---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 PM ----------

Also, Oncidiums need lots of water. They need to always be moist. Yours looks very dry. It should never get that dry.

Thanks for your response! Yes, I am very nervous about damaging the spike — especially since this is the first flower spike I've ever seen. My Phals have so far refused to spike for me. The plant was actually watered just yesterday, but I am finding that this mix seems to dry out extremely fast for some reason, much faster than any of my Phals.

When you pull on the leaf to release the spike, do NOT try to straighten the spike. It will do that for itself once the tip is released from its trap. As JScott says, the spikes are very tender and easily broken.

Good luck!

I' have some Oncs which nearly always have trapped spikes, so I wonder if it isn't something genetic (the leaves surrounding the bulbs grow too tight against it for instance). Try to very gently tease the tip out into the open. The spike is extremely fragile at this point, so it's better to do most of the pulling on the leaf! For spikes that are really stuck, I cut a notch or slit in the leaf to create some extra space. Once it's free, don't try to straighten it, it'll start growing correctly after that.

About the plant dying fast, Oncidiums need lots of water compared to Phals and it looks like your plant is in a slotted pot with rather chunky bark. The pot dries fast that way, so you'll just need to water a lot more frequently, and I'd suggest that you let it soak awhile when watering.

Remember plants take up water through the roots and transpire it out the leaves. Less succulent plants draw more water per day than more succulent plants, thus needing more watering. Oncidiums, with their thin leaves, require much more water than thick-leaved orchids like Cattleyas.

This happens to me frequently with my Wilsonara. Your watering needs to be stepped up and more regular. I use a table knife and GENTLY spread the leaf apart, thus usually frees the spike which will straighten itself out.

Thanks for the tip! Do you happen to have a photo or perhaps a quick sketch of this that you could post? Visual learner over here. :)

Do you think a finer grade bark mix would help? I have a couple of my mini Phals in a seedling mix, and I wonder if this oncidium would do better in that type of media?

---------- Post added at 10:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------

Thank you! Just so I understand, is the idea to create more space between the pseudobulb and the leaf, or just to try to open the shaft of the leaf more widely (or both)?

Yes, a finer grade of bark will help maintain moisture better.

Finer bark or a moss mix and more attention to regular watering.

Carefully slide the blunt end of the blade into the leaf sheath and push out to create more room. Gently!!!!! Wriggle the flower stem out. It should mostly pop out. This has nothing to do with the pbulbs.