How to Care for Oncidium Orchids
A comprehensive introduction to the care of Oncidium orchids and detailed planting methods, with the following sharing of specific content.
Oncidium orchids, also known as吉祥兰 (auspicious orchid), 跳舞兰 (dancing orchid), 舞女兰 (dancing girl orchid), etc., are planted in both the north and south of China, with more in the south. Many hobbyists enjoy growing Oncidium orchid potted plants at home, but this plant is not easy to care for and rarely blooms, mainly because the care methods are not mastered. Below are the cultivation methods and precautions for Oncidium orchids.
I. Cultivation Methods for Oncidium Orchids
1. Soil Requirements
The soil should be fertile and well-draining. Hobbyists can mix their own substrates, such as fine fern soil, peat soil, charcoal, vermiculite, and broken bricks 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 supply is beneficial for the growth of Oncidium orchids, but they prefer diffused light and are averse to direct strong sunlight.
In the growing season, it's best to keep them in a diffused light environment. In the summer, about 70% of the light should be shaded. In spring and autumn, about 45% should be shaded. In winter, keep the Oncidium orchid potted plants in a sunny indoor area to receive adequate diffused light.
3. Temperature Requirements
Different Oncidium species have different temperature requirements. Keeping the temperature between 18°C to 25°C is most favorable for the growth of thick-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature not below 12°C. Keeping the temperature between 10°C to 22°C is most favorable for thin-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature above 8°C.
4. Water Requirements
Oncidium orchids enjoy moisture, and during the growing season, the air humidity should be kept around 70%. When watering Oncidium orchids, the potting mix should be kept semi-dry and semi-wet. During the peak growing season, water twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, mainly with light water. In winter, with cold weather and low temperatures, water should be controlled.
5. Fertilizing Requirements
When potting, ensure sufficient bottom fertilizer, usually with well-rotted bone meal and coconut shell. In the seedling stage, apply a special flower fertilizer once a month, along with some calcium fertilizer.
II. Precautions
1. Regular Potting Soil Replacement
For growing Oncidium orchid potted plants, replace the potting soil every two to three years. When repotting, discard 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. Ensure Proper Ventilation
Good air circulation is beneficial for the healthy growth of Oncidium orchids. Ensure proper ventilation and shading during the growing season, especially in spring and summer. When growing Oncidium orchid potted plants indoors, often open windows to ventilate. Even in winter, with cold weather, proper ventilation is necessary to keep the indoor air circulating, which can reduce the chance of diseases and pests.
The above sharing on how to care for Oncidium orchids and detailed planting methods is for reference by green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in green plant and flower management.