How do you care for an Oncidium orchid indoors?
They thrive at 60-65° F at night, and 70-85° F during the day. The vast majority will do well placed near an east, west, or south facing window with a sheer curtain to diffuse the light and provide the dappled shade these tree-growing orchids are used to. An east or south facing window provides bright enough light for growing orchids. South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark. A sheer curtain will cast light shade.If you’re going for the best odds, the ideal location for oncidium orchids that results in the most abundant flowers is a bright east-facing window that receives a couple of hours of the morning sun. Alternatively, if you don’t have enough natural light, consider using artificial lights.Some types will tolerate direct exposure to morning sun, but midday and afternoon rays are too strong. They can send your plant into energy overload, burn the leaves, and defeat the orchid’s ability to use nutrients efficiently.
Do Oncidium orchids like sun or shade?
They can cope with direct sun in the morning or evening, and prefer bright or even very bright conditions. East- and west-facing windowsills are perfect, and south-facing windows are usually fine if plants are given a little shading from intense summer sun. An east or south facing window provides bright enough light for growing orchids. South and east-facing windows work best for orchids. West_windows can be too hot in the afternoon and north-facing ones are usually too dark. A sheer curtain will cast light shade.
Do Oncidium orchids like to be root bound?
Oncidium orchids love to be root bound and don’t like much extra room in the pot. Do NOT chop the rootball in half, there’s no need to, and that’s not something normally done with orchids anyway. Habenarias have been promoted as being among the most difficult orchids to grow.We get more questions about repotting than any other subject. Some folks never repot their orchids because they are intimidated by the whole process, so their potting mix ultimately rots causing their roots to rot and their orchids are well on their way to orchid heaven.Orchids need to be fed regularly. Growers suggest using a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 that includes all necessary trace elements.
What are signs of overwatering orchids?
Overwatered orchid leaves often turn yellow and may look limp, which is a sign that your plant is stressed. Healthy roots should be firm and green, so if you notice overwatered orchid roots that are mushy or black, root rot may be setting in. Your orchid communicates its watering needs through its leaves and roots. Overwatered orchid leaves often turn yellow and may look limp, which is a sign that your plant is stressed. Healthy roots should be firm and green, so if you notice overwatered orchid roots that are mushy or black, root rot may be setting in.Watering Orchids Based on Their Roots Velamen color indicates water needs: dry velamen is white or silvery; freshly watered velamen is green or mottled. Orchids can be watered from the top or bottom. Mounted plants will need more water than unmounted plants.In some states the tap water is pretty good, low in dissolved solids and quite suitable for use with orchids. In many states, however, tap water has too many dissolved solids. One advantage with municipal water is that many water companies must publish their water quality reports online.Watering Orchids Based on Their Roots Velamen color indicates water needs: dry velamen is white or silvery; freshly watered velamen is green or mottled. Orchids can be watered from the top or bottom. Mounted plants will need more water than unmounted plants.
How often should I water my Oncidium orchid?
Be sure to water your oncidium orchids every two to ten days with room temperature water, unless it feels moist or if the soil is not yet dry to the touch. If your oncidium is producing thicker leaves, you can ease up on the watering. Never let the plant sit in water. Tepid water is preferred, and it is best to water early in the day so the foliage dries by nightfall. Keep in mind that far more orchids are killed from over-watering than being too dry. Cooler nights.The best way to water an orchid is to water from the top of the pot and use a potting media that provides good drainage. While accounting for variations in temperature and humidity, most orchids in 5- to 6-inch pots require 1/4 cup of water each week or three ice cubes.Many orchids prefer the shallower bulb or azalea pots to the taller standard sized pots.Most orchids require a 4, 5 or 6 inch pot. There are seedlings and miniatures that require smaller pots, older specimen plants and some genera (Cymbidium, Phaius, large Cattleya.Be sure to remove the net or tape once you have brought your plant home to avoid new growth from getting trapped and damaged. Additionally, if your plant has a thin colorful plastic or foil wrap surrounding the pot, it is best to remove these wraps. Orchids are epiphytic and their roots need air flow.