What to Do After Oncidium Flowers Bloom
As a tropical orchid with high ornamental value, the care of Oncidium after flowering directly affects the reblooming rate the following year. This article systematically explains the full process of post-flowering treatment and pruning techniques to help you master the core points of orchid care.
Ⅰ. Key Steps for Post-Flowering Treatment of Oncidium
1. Scientific Pruning of Withered Flowers
Immediately cut the flower stem base at 2cm after the flowers wither, taking special care to preserve the healthy pseudobulbs. The pruning tools need to be disinfected with alcohol to avoid plant infection. It is recommended to perform the operation on a sunny morning, accompanied by spraying a carbendazim solution to prevent fungal infections.
2. Precise Nutrient Supplement
Start applying a balanced orchid-specific fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) diluted to 1/4 concentration two weeks after flowering, spraying weekly. It is recommended to use a water-soluble fertilizer containing humic acid to promote the germination of new buds. Be careful not to let the fertilizer come into contact with the base of the leaves to prevent burning the seedlings.
Ⅱ. Annual Pruning and Maintenance System for Oncidium
1. Pruning Norms During the Growing Season
In the peak growing season from March to September, focus on removing yellowed old leaves, diseased leaves, and overly dense new buds. Maintain 3-5 healthy pseudobulbs per clump to ensure good ventilation and light. If scale insect damage is detected, immediately cut off the affected area and spray neem oil.
2. Root Pruning During Repotting
Every two years in spring, prune the blackened roots with a disinfected pair of scissors, retaining the white healthy roots. Apply charcoal powder to the cut surface to kill germs, then let the roots dry for two hours before repotting with new growing medium (sphagnum moss + bark 1:3). Place the repotted plant in a shaded area to recover for 15 days.
3. Daily Maintenance Points
Maintain a temperature difference of 25-30°C during the day and 18-22°C at night, with the air humidity kept at 60-70%. Use the immersion method to water the plants, and add water only when the surface of the growing medium turns white. Provide 50% shade in spring and summer, and adequate scattered light in autumn and winter.
Mastering the correct post-flowering care methods, combined with seasonal pruning and management, can help Oncidium maintain vigorous vitality. It is recommended to keep a growth record every year and adjust the care plan based on the plant's condition, allowing the orchid to bloom beautiful butterfly-like flowers year after year.