How to care for the Oncidium orchid after the flowers fade
The web tells everyone about how to care for the Oncidium orchid after the flowers fade and the detailed knowledge of the correct care methods for the plant after the flowers wither, with the following introduction.
Orchids, since ancient times, have been deeply loved by our people and are one of the most well-known flowers. There are many varieties of orchids, and Oncidium is one of them. It has long and green leaves, thin and slightly drooping stems, and the flowers are commonly yellow, pink, and white. The mini flowers are cute and emit a rich orchid fragrance when in bloom, hence Oncidium is often sold as a high-grade flower in the flower market.
Compared to traditional orchid varieties, the beautiful and fresh Oncidium is actually not difficult to cultivate. If cared for properly, it can bloom every year. Post-blooming management of Oncidium is very important. Today, let's talk about how to care for the Oncidium after the flowers fade to help it quickly recover its vitality.
Trim the faded flowers in time
The flowers of Oncidium are small, but there are many of them, with each flower spike capable of producing dozens of small flowers, and the blooming period can last 30-50 days. After the blooming period is over, do not leave the faded flowers on the plant. Although the flowers wither, the buds will continue to consume the nutrients of the plant. Over time, this may lead to malnutrition, slow growth of new buds, and slow leaf growth.
When trimming faded flowers, start from the flower spike. After all the flowers have faded, cut from the base of the flower spike, removing both the faded flowers and the spike. After cutting, place the plant in a well-ventilated area and reduce watering for 3-5 days. The goal is to keep the wound dry. If the environment is too humid or the plant absorbs too much water, the wound may become too moist, which can easily lead to infection.
How to care for the Oncidium orchid after the flowers fade
Watering
Watering Oncidium is a major challenge in its care. On one hand, almost all orchid varieties prefer a relatively humid environment. A dry environment can affect normal growth, causing the leaves to lose their luster and possibly turn yellow and wither. On the other hand, watering must be done in moderation. Many orchid enthusiasts have lost their plants due to overwatering, which leads to root rot and eventually the death of the entire plant.
Usually, water the plant when the surface of the growing medium turns white and dry. Keep the growing medium in the pot slightly moist but not overly wet. Some enthusiasts like to place a saucer under the pot to catch excess water. Be sure not to let the pot sit in water for extended periods, as it can easily lead to root rot.
Provide moderate sunlight
Usually, Oncidium flowers and fades in autumn. The autumn sun is relatively gentle and generally does not burn the Oncidium. After the flowers fade, we can increase some sunlight for it, either half-day or full-day sunlight. When Oncidium gets enough sunlight, the leaves can fully photosynthesize and absorb energy, helping the plant quickly recover its vitality.