The Cultivation Method of Oncidium
Core introduction to the text: The cultivation methods of Oncidium and the topics of flowers and plants, such as the planting techniques of Oncidium bulbs and fragrant Oncidium, continue reading below!
Oncidium is an orchid, also known as吉祥兰 (auspicious orchid), 跳舞兰 (dancing orchid), 舞女兰 (dancing girl orchid), etc. It is cultivated in both the north and south of China, with more cultivation in the south. Many orchid enthusiasts enjoy growing Oncidium potted plants at home, but this plant is not easy to cultivate and rarely blooms, mainly due to the lack of mastery of its maintenance methods. Below are some tips and techniques for growing Oncidium.
I. Cultivation Methods of Oncidium
1. Soil Requirements
The soil should be fertile and well-draining. Enthusiasts can mix their own substrates, such as using fine fern soil, peat soil, charcoal, vermiculite, and broken brick stones, 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, but it prefers diffused light and dislikes direct strong sunlight.
In the growing season, it is best to place Oncidium in a diffused light environment. In the summer, provide about 70% shade. In spring and autumn, provide about 45% shade. In winter, place the Oncidium potted plant in a sunny indoor area for cultivation, allowing it 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 favorable for thick-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature not falling below 12 degrees Celsius. A temperature range of 10 to 22 degrees Celsius is most favorable for thin-leaved varieties, with the minimum temperature above 8 degrees Celsius.
4. Water Requirements
Oncidium enjoys moisture, with the air humidity during its growing period needing to be maintained at around 70%. When watering Oncidium, the potting soil should be kept semi-dry. 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. Fertilization Requirements
When potting, sufficient bottom fertilizer should be applied, 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 Potting Soil
When growing Oncidium potted plants, change the potting soil every two to three years. When repotting, discard the old potting 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 Good Ventilation
Proper air circulation is beneficial for the healthy growth of Oncidium. Good ventilation and shading are essential during the growing season, especially in spring and summer. When growing Oncidium potted plants indoors, be sure to open windows for ventilation. In winter, despite the cold weather, proper ventilation is also necessary to maintain indoor air circulation, which can reduce the chances of diseases and pests.
The above sharing on the cultivation methods of Oncidium and the specific introduction to the bulb cultivation techniques of fragrant Oncidium aim to provide plant enthusiasts with some knowledge of flowers and plants.