How to Care for Oncidium to Ensure Vigorous Growth
The editor will discuss the topic of how to care for Oncidium to promote its lush growth and share the techniques and tips for cultivating this plant. This information will undoubtedly be helpful to you, so let's dive in!
Oncidium is an orchid also known as吉祥兰 (lucky orchid), 跳舞兰 (dancing orchid), 舞女兰 (dancing girl orchid), etc. It is cultivated in both the north and south of China, with the southern regions having more plantations. Many hobbyists enjoy growing Oncidium potted plants at home, but this species is not easy to cultivate and often fails to bloom, mainly due to a lack of proper care methods. The following are some methods and precautions for growing Oncidium.
I. Methods for Growing Oncidium
1. Soil Requirements
The soil should be fertile and well-draining. Hobbyists can prepare their own growing medium, for example, a mix of fine fern soil, peat, charcoal, vermiculite, and broken brick in a ratio of 4:1:2:2:1.
Before planting, place a layer of broken tiles at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage and increase soil aeration.
2. Light Requirements
Adequate light is beneficial for the growth of Oncidium, but it prefers diffused light and is sensitive to direct strong sunlight.
In the growing season, it's best to place Oncidium in an environment with diffused light. During the summer, about 70% of the light should be blocked out. In spring and autumn, around 45% of the light should be blocked. In winter, keep the Oncidium potted plant in a sunny indoor area with ample diffused light.
3. Temperature Requirements
Different Oncidium species have different temperature requirements. A temperature range of 18-25 degrees Celsius is most conducive to the growth of thick-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature not falling below 12 degrees Celsius. A temperature range of 10-22 degrees Celsius is most favorable for thin-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature above 8 degrees Celsius.
4. Water Requirements
Oncidium enjoys moisture, and during its growing season, the air humidity should be maintained at around 70%. When watering Oncidium, keep the potting mix slightly dry and slightly moist. During the peak growing season, water twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, mainly with dilute water. In winter, when it's cold and the temperature is low, water should be controlled appropriately.
5. Fertilization Requirements
When potting, make sure to add enough base fertilizer, usually well-rotted bone meal and coconut shell. During the seedling stage, apply a special flower fertilizer once a month, along with some calcium fertilizer.
II. Precautions
1. Regular Potting Soil Replacement
When growing Oncidium in pots, it's necessary to replace the potting soil every two to three years. When repotting, remove the old soil, and replace it with newly prepared nutrient-rich soil. Remove any rotting roots and withered branches. The soil should be disinfected before replanting.
2. Ensuring Good Ventilation
Proper air circulation is beneficial for the healthy growth of Oncidium. Ensure good ventilation and shading during the growing season, especially in spring and summer. When growing Oncidium potted plants indoors, make sure to open windows for ventilation frequently. Even in winter, when it's cold, proper ventilation is necessary to maintain indoor air circulation, reducing the chances of diseases and pests.
The above tips on how to care for Oncidium to ensure vigorous growth and the techniques for cultivating this plant are meant to help you in your daily life!