Most Oncidium orchid species produce dozens of small flowers at once, which gives us a wonderful spectacle that lasts for several weeks. The flowers can be yellow, white, red, pink, green or brown.
The shape of these flowers can vary, but they all have one common feature: the lower petal is always perpendicular to the side petals. The characteristic shape of the flowers gives Oncidium orchids their common name dancer orchids .
Variety of orchids
There are hundreds of species of orchids, all native to tropical and subtropical areas, including the Andes, the humid forests of Jamaica, and the tropical river valleys of Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
If relative humidity drops below 50%, use a tray or gravel humidifier to increase humidity. Grouping your plants also helps maintain good humidity around them. You can spray some water on the leaves each day.
How to grow an orchid
Oncidium orchid plants need plenty of light, but they can’t tolerate direct sun. If you can’t place them near a window, use artificial light, such as fluorescent lamps.
Use one warm white tube and one cool white tube under a spotlight. Place the orchids 20 inches under the light for 14-16 hours a day. Make sure they stay in the dark overnight, plants need rest too.
Keep the orchid soil slightly moist throughout the growing season. Be careful not to over water, and remember that oncidiums store water in their pseudobulbs, which makes them tolerate dry soil better than wet.
Water less during other seasons to allow the soil to dry out well between waterings.
If you want to transplant your orchid, remember that the best time to do so is immediately after it has bloomed. This will allow the plant to form beautiful new flowers while having more nutrient-rich soil available.
Share the article
