Question
wayne, i have a cymbidium that put out about 10 spikes, a few of which have a kink in them.  most of the spikes have a branching out about half way up, with side spikes coming out, much like an oncidium.  what has caused this?  i used a high phosphorous fertilizer during the summer months at 1/4 strength.  i have this cymbidium planted in the ground here in southern california in a spot that gets direct morning sun and filtered light throughout the day.  do you think it is a watering issue or a fertilizing issue?  the spikes were fine the previous year when it was still in its plastic container.

Answer
Jessica, my first reaction is similar to yours: this sounds more like an oncidium.  Do you have a tag in the plant that has a name on it? I don't know if the name could be trusted anyway as name tags can fall out and a good samaritan may pick up another tag laying on the bench and put that tag into the pot. If it is indeed an oncidium, good growing conditions can lead to the branching effect.

Since it has previously flowered when it was in its pot, you should have an idea what the flowers looked like and whether it looked like a heavy substance cymbidium flower or or a lightly substance oncidium flower. I don't think either the watering or fertilizing would make as much difference as the amount of light or temperature.  Branching is promoted by higher light levels but, again, oncidiums tend to branch as they mature but cymbidiums do not. Look for pseudobulbs.  Oncidiums have well defined pseudobulbs.  Cymbidiums also have pseudobulbs but not quite as well defined.  

Some clue as to where you obtained the plant may help.