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Growing Tips for Oncidiums and their Inter-generic hybrids
There are many types of Oncidiums, and their cultural requirements vary greatly from very cool to warm growing climates. Then consider that many Oncidiums are hybridized with
Brassia, Odontoglossum, Miltoniopsis, etc. The objectives of breeders are to produce more flowers, showy or unusual flowers, and/or brightly colored flowers. Breeding of specific plants also aims at producing plants that will grow in common house and greenhouse conditions. We typically categorize these climates as Cool-Intermediate (C-I) and Intermediate-Warm (I-W). Most homes
fit the I-W, and greenhouses will fit the climate of the
area.
BLOOMING: The blooming habit of most of the Oncidiums and their Inter-generics is once a year. An exception is most of the small equitant Oncidiums will spike almost continuously with heads of 3/4-1 inch colorful flowers.
LIGHT: All Oncidiums like bright light to some sun. For their inter-generic hybrids, try to consider what other genus is involved in the plant and select the light that is intermediate between them. In general, an east, south or west window in the home can be ideal for Oncidiums. The mule-ear and equitants (thick leaves) can take the most light of all types.
TEMPERATURES: The temperature for the I-W group should be 55-65 degrees F at night and 80-85 degrees F during the day. Higher temperatures (95-100 degrees F) can be tolerated if humidity and air circulation are increased.
WATERING: The watering frequency is dictated the type of plant. The thick-leaved varieties need to dry out before being watered again. The thin-leaved or thin-root varieties will like to stay damper. Be sure to let these dry at least half way down the pot prior to watering.
HUMIDITY: Oncidiums need 30 to 60 percent relative humidity, which is less than most orchids. This can be provided in the home by placing the plants on trays of gravel, partially filled with water so the plants stand above the water.
FERTILIZER: In fir bark, a high-nitrogen (30-10-10) formulation is used. Otherwise a 20-20-20 is appropriate. When in active growth, plants need fertilizer every two weeks, and when not growing, once a month. Thorough flushing with clear water once a month is recommended to prevent buildup of fertilizer salts.
POTTING: Oncidiums should be repotted every 2-3 years. It is essential to repot if the media breaks down (soggy, mushy). Select a large enough pot for a couple years growth. Place the older pseudobulbs next to the pot to give maximum space for new growths. It is best to repot just after new growths emerge.
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