Oncidium Care

Oncidium orchids, or "dancing ladies" create some of the largest and most delicate looking displays. Although these orchids are far from delicate in nature, they create eye-catching sprays (or branches) of flowers. Some of the more famous Oncidium hybrids are Onc. Sharry Baby, the Chocolate-scented orchid, and Oncidium Twinkles, a group of miniature candy-scented Oncidiums.

The Oncidium Alliance includes a wide range of man-made hybrids that come in nearly every size and color. Oncidiums are very easy for those that take care of houseplants because they like a regular watering schedule and prefer not to get very dry. Those that over water Phalaenopsis may find an affinity for Oncidiums! The small bulb-like structures (pseudobulbs) at the base of the leaves will shrivel slightly when dehydrated. Moderate light preferred as the thin leaves can be delicate.

Quick Care

Light: Medium - North or East windowsill
Water: Moderate/Moist - 2-3x weekly when near dry
Temp/Humidity: 60-85F, 40-80% humidity
Fertilizing: 1/4 strength every watering

Detailed Care

Potting mix: Fine bark or long fiber sphagnum bark/perlite mix. Repot in Spring once root bound (1-2 years).

Light: Bright indirect - medium light. Within 3 ft of an East or North facing window or plant light. Protect leaves from direct sun exposure to prevent bleaching.

Water: Water frequently (check every other day) when media reaches dry. Do not allow to stay dry for long periods (pseudobulbs will shrivel, leaves will crisp and "accordion" with too little water).

Temperature: Intermediate-warm (60F min night, 85F max day).

Humidity: 40-80%, tolerant of low humidity.

Fertilizing: Heavy feeding Spring-Summer. 1/2-1/4 strength urea-free fertilizer, every watering as new roots and leaves emerge. Decrease to monthly in winter once growth begins to slow. Run room temperature clean tap water through the potting mix once monthly to prevent salt build up.

**Don't panic if you lose a lot of roots. These can rehab really nicely in evenly moist fluffy moss.**