How to Cultivate Oncidium Orchids
About the cultivation and care management of Oncidium orchids, the following topics will be introduced by the editor of this site.
Oncidium orchids, also known as吉祥兰 (auspicious orchids), 跳舞兰 (dancing orchids), 舞女兰 (dancing girl orchids), etc., are cultivated in both the north and south of China, with the southern region being more prevalent. Many orchid enthusiasts enjoy growing Oncidium orchid potted plants at home, but this plant is not easy to cultivate and rarely blooms, mainly due to a lack of understanding of its care methods. Below are some methods and precautions for growing Oncidium orchids.
I. Cultivation Methods for Oncidium Orchids
1. Soil Requirements
The soil should be fertile and well-draining. Enthusiasts can prepare their own growing medium, such as a mixture of fine fern soil, peat soil, charcoal, vermiculite, and broken bricks, in the 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 enhance soil aeration.
2. Light Requirements
Adequate light supply is beneficial for the growth of Oncidium orchids, but they prefer diffused light and are averse to direct strong sunlight.
During the growing season, it is best to place Oncidium orchids in a diffused light environment. In the summer, provide about 70% shade. In spring and autumn, provide about 45% shade. In winter, place the potted Oncidium orchids in a sunny indoor area to receive ample diffused light.
3. Temperature Requirements
Different Oncidium species have different temperature requirements. A temperature range of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius is most conducive to the growth of thick-leaved varieties, and the minimum temperature should not be below 12 degrees Celsius. A temperature range of 10 to 22 degrees Celsius is most conducive to the growth of thin-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature above 8 degrees Celsius.
4. Water Requirements
Oncidium orchids enjoy moisture, and during their growing season, the air humidity should be maintained at around 70%. When watering Oncidium orchids, keep the potting soil semi-dry and semi-moist. During the peak growing season, water twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, mainly with light water. In winter, when it is cold and the temperature is low, water should be controlled appropriately.
5. Fertilization Requirements
When potting, sufficient base fertilizer should be added, usually including some 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 orchid potted plants, the potting soil should be replaced every two to three years. During repotting, remove the old soil and replace it with new, well-prepared nutrient-rich soil. Remove any rotting roots and dead branches. The soil should be disinfected before replanting.
2. Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Proper air circulation is beneficial for the healthy growth of Oncidium orchids. During the growing season, ensure good ventilation and shading, especially in spring and summer. When growing potted Oncidium orchids indoors, frequently open windows to ventilate. In winter, even though it's cold, proper ventilation is also necessary to maintain indoor air circulation, which can reduce the chances of diseases and pests.
The above information on how to grow Oncidium orchids and the care management of Oncidium orchid cultivation are some useful tips. I hope this article can be of some help to you!