Question
Hi, I have a largish oncidium that has put out two long (2.5 ft) flower stalks with lots of buds, after a year of not doing much. I'm really excited about this, but the buds have now been on the flower stalks, closed, for 3 weeks and are not opening. They look healthy, although they are covered with a sticky clear fluid, but they seem stuck in time.  The plant is also putting out two new green shoots from the pseudobulbs. I've had it in an east facing window, about 2 feet from the window, where it gets direct sun for only about 2 hours a day, if that (it's pretty cloudy here in upstate New York ). I just moved it to a west window that gets direct sun for about 2 hours at the end of the afternoon. I thought maybe the plant needs more light to get those flowers to open. i've been feeding it with half strenght miracle grow, as recommended, every two weeks.  Any suggestions? Thanks!
Laura

Answer
Hi Laura,

It sounds like you are doing pretty good with the oncidium since it is putting out some new growth along with new flower stalks.  Moving it to the west window should help those buds open since it will be a little warmer there, just make sure it doesn't get hot there.  As for the clear sticky fluid, that usually happens when the orchid is grown well and it secretes a little sap.  

Not sure what oncidium you have but many of them produce a fragrance on a nice warm day, hopefully yours will.  

Keep up the good work!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.