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Oncidium
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Oncidium orchids come mainly from South America and may be either terrestrial or epiphytic, that is, wrapping their roots around the branches of trees. They generally grow at higher elevations, over 2000 feet above sea level. Consequently, they are exposed to more extreme temperatures and higher light than orchids, like phalaenopsis, which grow in tropical rain forests. This species of orchids interbreeds readily with several other species, specifically, miltoniopsis, brassias, cochliodas, etc., to yield what is called the Odontoglossum Alliance.
LIGHT
Oncidiums like twice as much light as phalaenopsis; they can easily take full southern sun in winter and bright indirect light in summer. They do not like southern sun in summer and the foliage may bleach out or develop purple spots if the light is too strong. Without strong light in winter, the plant may fail to set bud for the following year.
CARE
Oncidiums grow from a thickened root mass called a pseudobulb in which they store nutrients for the following growing season. It’s similar to a tulip bulb but does not store as many nutrients as a tulip bulb, and it grows above ground. New growth starts as shoots from the sides of the pseudobulbs. When these have attained a height of 6 inches, they can be separated from the mother bulb and potted up on their own. The plants appreciate high humidity, but do not like to be kept wet. Some hobbyists set them on trays of pebbles or mist them to increase humidity.
FEEDING
Like all orchids, feed “weekly, but weakly” with a fertilizer high in nitrogen. On the label the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be roughly 3-1-2, something like 15-5-10. Orchids do not grow rapidly and do not feed heavily. Feed them about 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of water with every watering.
FLOWERING
Oncidiums take some care to re-flower in the house. The nighttime temperature starting in October needs to decline to 55-60 degrees and remain there for the winter. At the same time, oncidiums need good light, about two hours of direct sun each day if possible, to set their buds for the next year. The best way to accomplish this is to place the plant in a southern window for the winter, close to the window where it is cooler. The plant will go dormant under these conditions and show few signs of growth. Reduce watering, and fertilize very little, if at all. In about February it will send up new shoots and some of these will be flower shoots. Resume normal watering and fertilizing. Most oncidiums flower in the longer days of the year.
