Cultivation methods and precautions of Oncidium

Soil requirements

Oncidium prefers a relatively dry environment. Before planting, lay a layer of broken tiles and bricks on the bottom of the flowerpot. It is best to choose soil with good drainage and air permeability. You can choose a mixture of 4 parts of broken fern roots, 1 part of peat soil, 2 parts of crushed charcoal, 2 parts of vermiculite, and 1 part of sphagnum moss.

Light and temperature requirements

Oncidium prefers a semi-shady environment and can be maintained under full sunlight in winter. It does not need shade, which can promote the flowering of the plant. In other seasons, shade should be provided to avoid leaf burns.

Different varieties of Oncidium have different temperature requirements. The temperature of thick-leaf varieties cannot be lower than 12℃, and the most suitable growth temperature is 18~25℃; the most suitable growth temperature of thin-leaf varieties is 10~22℃, and the minimum temperature cannot be lower than 8℃.

Water and fertilizer requirements

Oncidium prefers a drier environment and can be watered when the soil surface is dry. During the growing season, you can increase the amount of watering appropriately, watering once in the morning and evening to ensure that there is no water accumulation. Reduce the amount and frequency of watering in winter, and control water to facilitate flowering. Stop watering when the temperature is below 10℃ to avoid frostbite.

In spring and autumn, apply organic fertilizer every 20 days with a balanced amount of elements. You can either irrigate the roots or spray the leaves. Do not fertilize in winter when temperatures are too low.

Precautions for Oncidium cultivation

Repotting time

It is usually time to repot Oncidium after it blooms, and the seedlings of Oncidium should be repotted before the growing season, such as in early spring or autumn when the weather is cool. When repotting, change to a larger pot or replace part of the soil depending on the growth of the plant.

Watering method

In summer, you need to pay attention to shade and cool down in time when the temperature is high. In midsummer, water the plant once a day and water it thoroughly, until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. Normally, water when the soil is half dry.