Question
My oncidium lost it's last blooms sometime late in the fall.  The stalk went black and I cut it back. I proceeded to take care of it, just as I had been.  It had 3 bulbs at the base.  The 2 smaller ones eventually lost their leaves and started turning a brownish color.  Now the 3rd bulb (still has it's leaves) but is also turning a brownish color.  All of them are a bit soft- not firm.  Is it dying?  Is it too late?  I am not sure what happened, or if this is what is supposed to happen.  Please help- thanks!

Answer
Hello Gina,

From our description of what is happening to the oncidium, it sounds like it is slowly dying.  Why, I'm not quite sure.  

But, here are some possibilities:

There may be a fungal or bacterial infection within the oncidium.  What tells me that it might be this is that you said the smaller bulbs began turning brown and now the large one is doing the same.  Also, that the bulbs feel some what soft when squeezed.  

If the oncidium were allowed to become very dry for an extended period of time, the roots may have died from lack of moisture.  

If it were kept too wet over an extended time, the roots may have all rotted.  

Lastly, I feel that there is little hope in saving it as what ever is causing this has progressed too far.  If the large bulb was still green and firm, it might have been possible to give it some intensive care and save it.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.