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Please help! I got this small “Sharry Baby” oncidium in July. The… | The Orchid Oasis | Planta community

Cemarshall

Please help! I got this small “Sharry Baby” oncidium in July. The pseudobulb on the left sort of bulged out the side of a leaf while growing. I chalked it up to adjusting to a new home but now it looks like its next pseudobulb is doing weird stuff. That one has emerged while in my care and recently the inner most leaf yellowed and turned brown. And now another one is too. It has 2 new pseudobulbs (one shown and one on the other side) so I think it’s not unhealthy. Could there be something wrong with it (or more likely that I’m doing wrong)??? I just want to make sure the newest pseudobulbs don’t do the same thing… Thanks in advance for any of your help!

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8 comments

  1. MeasomerPi

    The discoloration on the left and right pseudobulbs makes me think it’s an infection of some kind. I’m leaning toward fungal, but honestly I’m not 100% on that. Have you noticed the black areas growing or spreading? I don’t think the bulging pseudobulb is something to be overly worried about. Mine do that sometimes. The yellowing new growth is concerning. Since there is black present there also, Im betting it’s related to the pseudobulb deformation. I would do some research on appropriate fungicide for Oncidiums and treat accordingly. Hopefully others will respond to your post as there are others that are much better at diagnosing issues and suggesting treatments.

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    • Cemarshall

      Thanks! I think you’re right that it’s a fungal issue. I tried pulling the yellow leaf off of the smaller pseudobulb and it was hollow and black inside. 😭 I’ll start some treatment for fungus and hopefully it will help.

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    • MeasomerPi

      Oh wow. That’s wild. Check for mushy tissue. If there is, I suggest cutting back to firm and healthy tissue. Good luck.

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  2. Jen

    I’d agree with Pi’s assessment about potential fungal treatment- but go sparingly as any excessive moisture on new growth can cause rot. Maybe test on the larger bulging pseudobulb. Then be prepared to sit back and wait a while as setback can be a real pain to endure. Did you repot it since you got it in July? I have some trouble with my Sherry baby as well, but not like this. I think they are just a little more sensitive. In my experience, oncidiums prefer smaller bark mixes, it helps to keep them more moist. The sharry baby in particular doesn’t like to go bone dry for too long. If you haven’t repotted since your original purchase, I would try that.

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    • Cemarshall

      Thanks! I did repot it right after it shipped but the dark spots and yellowing leaves only started recently. I think I might have been over misting it which led to this fungal issue 😮‍💨 Hopefully I can get it sorted out. I really appreciate everyone’s help!

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    • Jen

      I would stop the misting all together. They really only need a damp medium- water left on pseudo bulbs and leaves can lead to all kinds of rot and fungal issues. Please keep us posted! And good luck!

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  3. nepenthomancer

    I have a lot of experience treating hardcore orchid fungal infections. I recommend arber bio fungicide, soak or spray whatever works best for you just remember to also treat the substrate. It’s gentle, so you have to be consistent and treat on a regimen. For the most serious fungus I treated every 5 days for 4 cycles, then moved up to weekly. If you do soaks you do not need to do any extra watering during treatment. You got this!

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    • Cemarshall

      Thanks so much! I ordered the Arber bio fungicide so hopefully I can bring this baby back!

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