The orchid appears to be very dehydrated; the bulbs should be plump, not shriveled. Also the newest bulb should be the same size or larger than the one it grew from. Is it planted in potting soil? The roots seem to be circling the pot to avoid the media. I would rinse out all the old soil from the roots, repot in a bark mixture in a larger pot, and water as it approaches dryness. Also fertilize. I use net pots as they allow plenty of air circulation even with frequent watering and the roots stay cooler than a standard pot during the hot days. I grow outside in central Texas, with slightly less light than cattleyas.

I think it's time to repot your plant!

I believe your plant is dehydrated because it's potted in what seems to be soil and the roots have rotted making it impossible for them to take up water. I would rinse out as much soil as possible and pot up in a slightly larger terracotta pot with small orchid bark. Soak the bark for at least 24 hours in water before using it to repot. When repotting, any roots that are squishy, brown, slimy or not firm should be cut with sterile scissors. Once repotted, leave the plant for a week or more without water and let it rest until you see new roots growing.

The bulbs that are shriveled may never quite come back. That's ok, provided that they are back bulbs. Newer bulbs should not look like that. I have several Oncidiums that I have rehabbed from the condition that yours seems to be in (given to me that way) by taking the steps I described above. It took a year for them to turn around completely, but now they are both in spike :) Being in San Diego, you could probably keep them outside year round and they would love it. Up her in Boston, I keep mine outside from Memorial Day until nights get into the 40s and they love it!

Good luck!

Thank you all for your wonderful comments! I bought this at an Orchid fair last year from a guy who had a huge, prolific collection. I'm not sure what he used as the medium but it does look to be soil! I'll go to the store and buy a fine orchid mix medium and new teracotta pot first thing tomorrow. I'm so excited to save my orchid!

thanks again!!!

Soak the orchid mix overnight before using. These plants like moisture and fertilizer when in active growth. Take a sprayer and try to wash away as much as the soil as possible. You could soak the plant first to loosen the roots. Repot in a larger pot and water well.

Your plant is dehydrated. They like to be kept damp, not overly wet, but just slightly damp between watering.

In your area, I would put it outside for the summer.

Jane

Definitely thirsty! But even with the wrinkled bulbs, it looks really healthy and green. It should bounce back in no time!

Like Jane says, oncidiums really love water and nice bright light, so don't be afraid to dunk your sharry baby a couple of times a week to re-soak that bark. I let mine have a long soak once a week, along with an additional good watering every few days.

I showered off all the soil and started cutting off the dead roots. Most of the roots are dead! I'm so stressed about cutting too much! I feel like I'm cutting the wires to disable a bomb! So afraid to cut the wrong one! Lol

I would have left the roots alone. They looked good. Just pot the plant in a new pot with fresh soil.

Jane