How to care for Oncidium orchids to make them bloom
Regarding the experience of caring for Oncidium orchids to make them bloom and the green plant cultivation methods and techniques, the specific contents are as follows:
Oncidium orchids, also known as吉祥兰 (auspicious orchid), 跳舞兰 (dancing orchid), 舞女兰 (dancing girl orchid), etc., are cultivated in both the north and south of China, with the south being more prevalent. Many orchid enthusiasts enjoy growing Oncidium orchids in their homes. This plant is not easy to cultivate and difficult to make bloom, mainly due to a lack of mastery of its care methods. 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. Enthusiasts can prepare the growing medium themselves, using 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 dislike direct sunlight.
In the growing season, it's best to place them in a diffused light environment. In summer, shade about 70%. In spring and autumn, shade about 45%. In winter, place the Oncidium orchid pots in a sunny indoor location to receive ample diffused light.
3. Temperature requirements
Different varieties of Oncidium orchids have different temperature requirements. A temperature range of 18 to 25 degrees Celsius is most beneficial for thick-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature not lower than 12 degrees Celsius. A temperature range of 10 to 22 degrees Celsius is most beneficial for thin-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature above 8 degrees Celsius.
4. Water requirements
Oncidium orchids enjoy moisture, and the air humidity should be maintained at around 70% during their growing season. When watering, keep the potting mix 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 some thin water. In winter, when it's cold and the temperature is low, water should be controlled appropriately.
5. Fertilizing requirements
When potting, ensure sufficient base fertilizer, usually well-rotted bone meal and coconut shell. During the seedling stage, apply a special flower fertilizer once a month and also add some calcium fertilizer.
Ⅱ. Precautions
1. Regularly change the potting mix
When cultivating Oncidium orchids in pots, change the potting mix every two to three years. During repotting, discard the old potting mix and replace it with a new, well-prepared nutrient-rich mix. Remove any rotten roots and dead branches. The soil should be disinfected before replanting.
2. Ensure good 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 Oncidium orchids indoors, open the windows for ventilation frequently. In winter, when it's cold, also ensure proper ventilation to maintain indoor air circulation, which can reduce the chance of diseases and pests.
The above information is about how to care for Oncidium orchids to make them bloom and the related cultivation methods and techniques, hoping to provide a little help for your life!