How to Grow Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid)? Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions

Oncidium belongs to the orchid family and has high ornamental value, so many people grow a pot of it at home. But some friends who have failed with it feel that Oncidium is hard to grow and difficult to flower. In fact, this is only because the growing method is wrong. So how exactly should Oncidium be grown, and what should be noted when growing it.

How to Grow Oncidium

Most Oncidium species are grown in pots. When planting, use crushed stone or broken bricks to line about the bottom 1/3 of the pot to improve ventilation and drainage. The growing pot can be a plastic pot, unglazed clay pot, porcelain pot, etc. For Oncidium grown for 2 to 3 years or more, the plant gradually grows larger and produces small offsets, and the root system becomes overfilled, so it should be repotted promptly. Repotting is usually done after flowering. For plants that have not flowered, it can be done before the growth period, such as in early spring or after the weather turns cool in autumn. The growing medium should be replaced at the same time, and repotting can be combined with division.

Oncidium Cultivation Methods and Precautions

1. Cultivation Methods

1. Soil: Oncidium likes a dry environment. A layer of broken tiles and broken bricks can be placed at the bottom of the pot. The growing medium should be one with good drainage and air permeability. You can mix 4 parts crushed fern roots, 1 part peat soil, 2 parts crushed charcoal, 2 parts vermiculite, and 1 part sphagnum moss.

2. Light: Oncidium likes a semi-shaded environment. Generally, it should receive sufficient direct sunlight in winter, which helps the plant flower. In other seasons, shading measures should be taken to avoid scorching the leaves. A shading rate of 40% to 50% is more suitable.

3. Temperature: Oncidium should not be grown in a low-temperature environment. For thick-leaved Oncidium species, the growing temperature should not be lower than 12°C, and the suitable growing temperature is 18 to 25°C; for thin-leaved Oncidium species, the growing temperature should not be lower than 8°C, and the suitable growing temperature is 10 to 22°C.

4. Water: Oncidium likes dryness. When the soil surface is relatively dry, water thoroughly. During its growing season, increase the amount of watering, and water once each in the morning and evening; in winter, reduce the amount and frequency of watering, which can promote flowering; when the temperature is below 10°C, stop watering.

5. Fertilizing: From spring to autumn, apply a low-concentration compound fertilizer with nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium at 1:1:1 about once every 20 days, or spray the leaves at a concentration of 0.05% to 0.1%. Do not fertilize when the temperature is low in winter.

2. Cultivation Precautions

1. Usually water again when the medium is about half dry. During dry air periods, spray water on the leaves frequently. It is best to place the pot on a shallow saucer containing pebbles and water.

2. Repotting is usually done after flowering. For plants that have not flowered, it can be done before the growth period, such as in early spring or after the weather turns cool in autumn. The growing medium should be replaced at the same time, and repotting can be combined with division.

3. In summer, pay attention to shading, and cool the plant down promptly when the temperature is too high. In midsummer and autumn, water thoroughly once every day, that is, until water comes out of the hole at the bottom of the pot.

Oncidium Pruning Methods

First, prepare disinfection supplies (alcohol, a clean cloth), disinfect the scissors, put them in a cool place to dry, and then prune.

Next, cut off the flower stems that are still growing. According to the plant's growth condition, cut off weak and poorly growing branches to prevent excessive consumption of nutrients. Overly dense and dried-up branches should also be cut off. It has many flowers, and they do not open at the same time. When some flowers are open, some have already dried up or may turn brown, so dried flowers should be cut off promptly to prevent affecting flowering.

Oncidium Pruning Precautions

1. When repotting, prune the roots and stems. Oncidium has fleshy roots. Too much watering during the growing period, or soil that is not air-permeable, can damage the roots and affect growth, so the roots should be pruned promptly in connection with repotting or changing the pot.

2. During pruning, to ensure safety, you can disinfect the tools once after each pruning.

If you want Oncidium to grow well, in addition to careful care, pruning is also very necessary, as it can promote its growth. But pruning also requires skill, and there are many points to note. The methods have been introduced in detail above. As long as you follow the steps, you will certainly make your Oncidium healthier.