I live in New New Hampshire and I (12) different orchids, all blooming
very nicely. But I have a Oncidium that just 'grows' and never
spikes.

I tried everything from plenty of water & fertilizer, to putting in
the garage
to get the temperture changes, put it in the basement with little
light and cool area, I placed a grow light on it at night with plenty
of sun during the day, etc. Nothing, no spikes, just keep producing
more bulbs.

Since I have purchased the orchid (3) years ago it has doubled in
size, (9) bulbs 2" wide by 3" tall, and looks great, just can't get
spikes.

How to get the plant to spike?...

TIA

Hi, Tom,

You didn't say whether the plant in question ever bloomed originally - did
you purchase it in bloom? There is the occasional (frustrating!) orchid
that just won't flower no matter what one does.

Having said that, most Oncidiums like good light, so I don't think the
basement and low light is a good idea. Maybe some continuity, high light
and humidity, feeding normally, and less relocating of the plant will help.
Orchids like their micro climates, and they don't especially like to be
moved, unless the plant is in the wrong environment in the first place.

HTH

Diana

Hi, Tom,

You didn't say whether the plant in question ever bloomed originally - did
you purchase it in bloom? There is the occasional (frustrating!) orchid
that just won't flower no matter what one does.

Having said that, most Oncidiums like good light, so I don't think the
basement and low light is a good idea. Maybe some continuity, high light
and humidity, feeding normally, and less relocating of the plant will help.
Orchids like their micro climates, and they don't especially like to be
moved, unless the plant is in the wrong environment in the first place.

HTH

Diana

And they like to be tight in their pots, underpotted if possible, that way
they won't keep trying to fill their space with roots. (paphs do that too)
Medium should be in proportion to the root size, so small bark for fine
roots. Smallest pot that will accomodate the roots. I do not really believe
these need a drier winter rest, but I tend to reduce winter watering. Light
is usually the key. All the light short of burning is the usual "rule".
Feel the leaves with your cheek to feel if they are too hot. Move away from
the window as needed.

Good luck

K Barrett
"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
link.net...
Hi, Tom,

You didn't say whether the plant in question ever bloomed originally - did
you purchase it in bloom? There is the occasional (frustrating!) orchid
that just won't flower no matter what one does.

Having said that, most Oncidiums like good light, so I don't think the
basement and low light is a good idea. Maybe some continuity, high light
and humidity, feeding normally, and less relocating of the plant will
help.
Orchids like their micro climates, and they don't especially like to be
moved, unless the plant is in the wrong environment in the first place.

HTH

Diana