Oncidium Orchid
Growing The Oncidium Orchid
There is no specific set or rules for growing the Oncidium orchid, the reason being, the Oncidium orchid is a family of orchids made of around 700 different species. It is a New World family or orchids growing from northern Argentina in South America to as far North as Florida in North America. In spite of many variations among the different species, there are a few characteristics shared by the majority of the species.
The typical Oncidium orchid grows with its roots exposed to the air, often hanging down from branches or hanging over the lip of a container the orchid is growing in. Many species feature yellow flowers, though some have flowers that are brown to mahogany in color. The flowers often grow in clusters; many times growing in clusters several feet long. Rather than being an orchid with a single lovely flower, or several lovely flowers, the Oncidium orchid typically has large bunches of lovely flowers.
An Oncidium orchid makes a nice houseplant, being somewhat easier to grow than is typical for other orchid families and species. Rather than a warm humid environment, this orchid seems to prefer an environment more suitable to humans, that is, room temperatures, or even slightly cooler, and humidity of around 40 to 60 percent. A tray of pebbles filled with water placed near or under the plant will usually satisfy this orchid's humidity requirements.
Water And Light - These orchids do need plenty of water and do best when grown either in full sun or under a growing lamp. A rule of thumb for this family of orchids is, the thicker the leaves of a given species, the more sun or light it can handle. When the plant is indoors however it should not be placed next to a window where it will get direct sun light, but off to one side where it will get bright but indirect light.
Most species flower in the late summer or fall while some flower both in the spring and in the fall. If nighttime temperatures are above 65 degrees, the plant may not flower, or not flower profusely. In most homes where the night time temperatures are allowed to dip, flowering generally won't be a problem. A night time temperature of around 60 degrees is considered ideal. Once they have finished flowering, the plant can be allowed to dry out almost completely for several weeks, after which it will be ready to begin its next growth cycle.
Potting And Feeding - Most Oncidium orchid plants will have to be re potted periodically, usually about every second year. Some care must be taken, as the roots are usually somewhat tender and breakage of some roots is to be expected. The soil requirement will vary with the species, so when purchasing an Oncidium orchid, note the species and find out what its soil requirements are. As far as fertilizing is concerned, most commercial orchid foods will suffice, and frequent fertilizing is usually advised. Again, the best fertilizer may depend on the species, so one will need to find out what fertilizer to use at the time the orchid is purchased
Pests And Disease - Although diseases are usually not a problem when this orchid is being well cared for, aphids can sometimes be pest. For whatever reason, aphids seem to prefer the Oncidium orchid over most other orchid types or species. Why this is so is not known, but it's nevertheless a fact. The orchid should be watched particularly closely when the flowers are on the verge of opening, as this is usually when the aphid makes its appearance. By and large though, the Oncidium orchid is one of the least troublesome, as well as one of the most spectacular species of orchids one can choose to grow.