Oncidium blanchetii

Last autumn when I was buying some orchids I noticed a hole in the newest pseudo bulb of Oncidium blanchetii but as the plant looked health and no alternative available, I continued with my purchase. Fortunately for me the culprit had already vacated its residency. I had seen pseudo bulbs before with holes and the plants have survived without any issues. Even with this large cavity the orchid pushed up a flower spike in the spring which kept growing and I kept lowering the orchid so the spike did not get damaged on the roof of the green house. However I have to say disappointment set in as one small flower appeared along with a diminutive side spike. Yes the flower was attractive bright yellow.  Having the orchid in flower, I was now concerned with its long term prospects as I could not see any new roots or shoots and took the decision to repot with spike.  Since then the orchid has been a joy to watch as a succession of flowers have arrived over the last three months with more to follow. I also have the new side shoot which is growing well. Next year I will not be too quick to judge an orchid by its initial spike. As for care I found some excellent information in the book “Orchid Species Culture” by BarkerM and Barker C. Coming from Southeast Brazil it is cool growing and tolerates my overwatering.