How to water and fertilize Oncidium orchids? How often is it suitable to water them?

Oncidium is a common potted orchid. Although its flowers are not as opulent as those of other flowers, they have their own distinctive character, fresh and elegant. So many people plant one themselves and care for it very carefully, yet it still dies. The reason is overwatering. But how exactly should you water it? Let's take a look below.

How to water Oncidium (how often to water)

The general watering principle is alternating wet and dry. Each watering should soak through, and the next watering should wait until the growing medium looks slightly dry. You do not necessarily have to water only after the flowers finish blooming; water when it is dry. Generally, water once every 7-10 days (soak the flower pot in water for 5 minutes). At ordinary times, just spray water.

How to fertilize Oncidium

Proper fertilization is very important for Oncidium. When planting, a small amount of fertilizer should be used as a base fertilizer. Generally, the growing medium for potted Oncidium does not easily retain water and fertilizer, so some slow-release fertilizer should be applied in the pot, which can increase the fertility of the potting soil. After that, fertilization can be carried out according to various conditions. It is generally recommended to apply soybean cake water or bone meal once a month.

Except in late autumn and winter when the temperature is too low, at other times a quick-acting liquid fertilizer should be applied once every two or three weeks. It can be applied to the leaves or to the roots. When the Oncidium is about to bloom, be sure to apply a sufficient amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer once. To effectively prevent and control pests and diseases, you can often water the Oncidium with carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl, etc.

Oncidium propagation methods

1. Division propagation

Oncidium is a sympodial type of tropical orchid. After the plant matures, it will grow offset shoots. We need to wait for these offset shoots to grow pseudobulbs, then cut off the offset shoots. Generally, pseudobulbs with two buds are cut off, so they can be planted directly in a pot with sphagnum moss. The air humidity needs to be a bit higher, which can prompt the budded pseudobulbs to grow new shoots and new roots relatively quickly. This division propagation method is generally carried out after the Oncidium blooms or in spring and autumn.

2. Hydroponic cultivation

This cultivation method is also very technically demanding. Hydroponic cultivation of Oncidium requires more than half a year of cultivation at a professional hydroponic flower base, so that the Oncidium grows water roots and can fully adapt to a still-water environment.

What to do if Oncidium does not bloom

1. Potting soil: At the very beginning, it is generally planted in a mix of charcoal soil combined with humus material. When planting, the pseudobulbs need to be left exposed above the soil surface.

2. Light: In winter, the Oncidium can be placed near a balcony with relatively ample light, so that it can meet the light needed for growth. At the same time, some water mist should be sprayed around it on time, because it prefers humidity. In other seasons, we can place it in a cool place with good light, which can both prevent the effects of high temperature and meet its light needs, but avoid exposure to strong light.

3. Diseases: Oncidium sometimes gets black spot disease. At this time, we should promptly remove the damaged leaves and spray some fungicide, which can prevent the disease from affecting the blooming of the Oncidium.

4. Fertilization: Because the roots of Oncidium are relatively fine, fertilization should be in small amounts. The fertilizer can be made less concentrated, which can also supplement its nutrients and help it bloom better.

The ornamental value of Oncidium lies in its lovely flowers. If it does not bloom, would it not lose its ornamental value? So when you find that the Oncidium you planted has not bloomed for a long time, there is actually a reason. You must identify the reason accurately and solve it in time, and soon you will be able to see a pot of Oncidium in full bloom.