Oncidium Orchid Care
Oncidium encompasses about 400 species of orchids with sizes and shapes that vary greatly. They are generally found in tropical climates. This orchid is a great choice for a beginner. With proper oncidium orchid care it develops quickly and will produce beautiful blooms.
Oncidium Facts
The Oncidium genus contains a diverse assortment of plants. Leaves may be thin and shaped like pencils in the rat-tail variety or thick and leathery in the mule-ear type. Larger plants produce dramatic blooms, while the smaller selections have dainty charming flowers. In general, the plants grow to a height of 6-12 inches.
Oncidium is a sympodial orchid. Potted sympodial orchids grow along their growing media, sometimes with horizontal stems. Plant growth can resemble fingers across the surface of the media, splitting and creating multiple buds and flowers. If mounted, a sympodial orchid will grow in any direction.
Potting Needs
Bark based potting mixes are best for oncidium orchid care. As with other orchids, proper watering is the key to growing a robust plant. Choose an inorganic media to add to your bark, such as pearlite, to ensure appropriate drainage.
Clay or plastic pots may be used. Check the surface of the growing media prior to adding water when using plastic containers. Delay watering if the media is still slightly moist. Plastic pots are nonporous and hold on to water. Adequate drainage holes or a mesh bottom will help you prevent over watering. Clay or terra cotta pots are porous and will allow media to dry efficiently. Watch for salt buildup from hard water or fertilizers in these pots as this can cause extensive root damage. It will appear white on the edges of the pot or across the top of your growing media.
While Oncidium thrive in containers, they also adapt well to mounting on well washed wood or tree fern.
Temperature and Light
Oncidium grow best in intermediate conditions and can reap the benefits of being placed outside in the summer. In warmer climates, they can flourish outside all year long. Inside, several hours of direct or indirect sunlight will promote healthy growth. Monitor the leaves of your Oncidium for evidence of too much or too little light and adjust accordingly.
Species and Hybrids
Oncidium ampliatum has a dramatic foliage display of 15 inch long leaves. Long sprays of diminutive yellow flowers bloom in the spring. This species grows well indoors and prefers intermediate to warm temperatures.
Oncidium carthagenense is a mule-ear Oncidium. The large, thick leaves can be 6-24 inches in length. Tiny ruffled purple and white flowers bloom in summer.
The tiny Oncidium cheirophorum only grows to 4 inches tall. Thin, short leaves accent the vivid yellow fragrant blossoms that grow in clusters. This plant blooms in fall and winter.
Oncidium Gower Ramsey hybrid is a good choice for gardeners new to orchid growing. Easy to grow on a sunny windowsill, this plant is not picky about its growing medium. This variety will produce many tiny dazzling yellow flowers, even on young plants.
Oncidium Sharry Baby has a distinctly unique fragrance. It smells like white chocolate! This hybrid grows well and produces many blooms.
Whatever variety of Oncidium you choose; these fragrant beauties will be stunning with the proper oncidium orchid care.
