Most species of Oncidium orchids produce dozens of small flowers at once, giving us a magnificent spectacle that lasts for several weeks. Flowers can be yellow, white, red, pink, green or brown.
The shape of these flowers can vary, but they all share a common characteristic: the bottom petal is always perpendicular to the side petals. The characteristic shape of the flowers gives Oncidium orchids their common name of ballerina orchids .
Variety of orchids
There are hundreds of species of orchids, all native to tropical and subtropical regions, including the Andes mountains, the rainforests of Jamaica, and the tropical river valleys of Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
If the relative humidity drops below 50%, use a gravel trap or humidifier to increase the humidity in the air. Grouping plants together also helps maintain a good level of humidity around them. You can sprinkle a little water on the leaves every day.
How to Grow an Orchid
Oncidium orchid plants need plenty of light but cannot tolerate direct sun. If you can’t place them near a window, use artificial lighting, such as fluorescent bulbs.
Use a warm white tube and a cool white tube under a spotlight. Place orchids 8 inches under light for 14 to 16 hours a day. Make sure they stay in the dark at night, even plants need to rest.
Keep orchid potting soil slightly moist during the growing season. Be careful not to overdo the amounts of water and remember that Oncidiums store water in their pseudobulbs, which makes them more tolerant of dry soils than wet ones.
Water less during other times of the year, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
If you want to transplant the orchid, remember that the best time to do so is immediately after flowering. This will allow the plant to create beautiful new flowers by having more nutrient-rich soil available.