Oncidium 'Sharry Baby': Managing Old Pseudobulbs & Spider Mites

4th Year Care for a Chocolate-Scented Favorite

Large 'Sharry Baby', 1 spike this year, many big old pseudobulbs, shaggy leaves. Trimmed old leaves for light/air. Repot next year—what to do with old bulbs? Also: spider mites & mealybugs when brought indoors.

Pseudobulb Management

• Old bulbs store nutrients & have "eyes" for new growth.
• Dead bulbs: Brown, shriveled, no substance → remove (may need to take connected healthy bulbs).
• Division: If too big, split into 3–4 bulb sections, pot separately. Gift or grow.
• Best time: When new growth starts.

Spider Mites & Mealybugs Indoors

Mites love dry air. Mist frequently inside. Current infestation needs miticide (Safer Soap, Cinnamite, Bonide "Eight"). Repeat—eggs hatch later.

White fuzzy stuff = mealybugs (worse than mites). Alcohol swabs + systemic insecticide (absorbed, kills sap-feeders for weeks). "Eight" works for both. Isolate infested plants.

Prevention

• High humidity indoors (tray, mist, humidifier).
• Inspect weekly, especially buds/leaf axils.
• Treat early—don't wait for explosion.

Your care is excellent. Fix the indoor pest cycle, enjoy chocolate blooms yearly.