Download a care sheet
from the AOS
GENERAL
INFORMATION
The Oncidium family is very large and includes many flower varieties.
The most common flower variety is often referred to as the "dancing
lady". This instruction sheet deals with Oncidium types that
have thin leaves, pseudobulbs, and branching sprays with flowers
colored in yellow and mahogany.
WATER
Water when the mix just approaches dryness. This will mean about
every 5-7 days. A way to check the mix for moisture is by sticking
a wooden pencil into the mix about 3''-4''. When you pull the pencil
out, check the wooden end. If it has turned dark in color, the mix
is still wet and you should wait a day or two. Oncidiums prefer
clean water without a lot of mineral content. Therefore growing
best when you use distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater. Do not
use softened water.
FERTILIZER
Fertilize with Grow More Urea Free 20-10-20, at the rate of 1/2
tsp. per gallon. Feed every other watering during the summer, and
every third watering in winter.
LIGHT
Grow in bright diffused light; east or west windows are ideal. South
windows will work but one should be careful of the brilliant sun
that will come in during the fall through spring months. If you
have miniblinds or sheer curtains, you can break the light so that
it is more diffused. One of the best types of artificial light you
can provide for your orchids is high-pressure sodium or metal halide
fixtures.
TEMPERATURE
Ideal night temperatures (fall, winter, and spring months) are 60°-64°
Fahrenheit. Ideal daytime temperatures are 70°-85°F. Summer
temperatures are generally a few degrees warmer.
HUMIDITY
Humidity levels for these plants should be kept at 40% or above.
FLOWERING
Depending on the variety the flowering season can be at any time
of year, but is generally heaviest in the fall and spring. Many
hybrids can bloom 2-3 times per year. In order to initiate the flower
spikes, it is important to grow the plant in an area where the night
temperatures fall below 65°. Usually plants growing by a window
are a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the house. The flower
spikes on Oncidiums generally grow to a medium or tall length and
branch out in several directions. Keep a close eye on the spike
(when it begins to produce flower buds) for aphids. Oncidiums are
one of the most favored orchids of the aphid bug.
REPOTTING
Repot every 1 to 2 years as the mix breaks down or as the plant
outgrows the pot. Plants potted in a bark mixture should be carefully
pulled out of the pot. Clean off the roots of the old mix, being
careful not to break the good roots. However, breaking roots when
repotting is inevitable. Roots that are bad and should be cut off
are those that are brown and mushy or papery. Those roots that are
white or tan and are firm to the touch should be left alone. Simply
place the plant into a new pot, placing the oldest growth towards
the back of the pot so there is room for the newer growths to develop
for about 1-2 years. Oncidiums can be divided when there are 6 or
more pseudobulbs. Divide, leaving 3 growths per each division. Generally
Oncidiums are planted in either an orchid bark mix or New Zealand
sphagnum moss mixed with tree fern fiber.
|
