Oncidium (Oncidium) is a member of the Orchid family. This epiphyte in its kind is represented by many species that are easily distinguished from each other by differences in leaves and flowers. The homeland of origin of different types of oncidium covers many places. Some representatives grow in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, while others prefer to be located high in the mountains, where it is not so hot, and the temperature sometimes reaches significant low marks. Still others like to live in the arid territories of the savannahs.
Oncidium, depending on the species, has a different external structure. One species is similar to irises in both the structure of the stem with leaves and the flower. Another species has pronounced pseudobulbs, thin roots that hang outside the pot. Each pseudobulb can have a scion with 3 leaves. The leaves also have different shapes and shades depending on the type of plant. The peduncle of different species varies in length from 10 cm to 5 m. The shade of flowers oncidiums are similar to each other. Here you can see the predominance of yellow, brown and red tones. The shape and structure of flowers are also similar between the individual species. Their size can be from 2 to 12 cm. All types of oncidium are united by fragrant flowering. The cut flower stalk can last up to 3 weeks. Oncidium blooms several times a year. The flowering time is not precisely defined - it depends on the specific conditions of the plant.
Caring for oncidium at home
Location and lighting
Oncidium is a type of orchid that requires a lot of light. The lighting should be bright, but it is better to protect the leaves from the burning midday summer sun. Whether or not an oncidium is receiving enough coverage can be checked by the condition of its leaves. Dense, leathery leaves with dark shades need more light. If the leaves turn a light green hue, red spots appear on them, then this indicates that the plant is getting sunburn. At optimal lighting levels, the leaves of oncidium have a rich, bright green color. Oncidium can be grown in low light on a northern windowsill, but you should not wait for flowering in this case. In this case, you can resort to using phytolamps or fluorescent lamps.
Temperature
The ambient temperature for the maintenance of oncidium is very important. Different species need different temperature ranges.
- Thermophilic oncidiums are plants from tropical forests that will feel comfortable in summer at temperatures of about 25-30 degrees, and in winter at least 15-18 degrees. The difference between day and night temperatures at any time of the year should not be more than 3-5 degrees.
- Oncidiums growing at moderate temperatures. In nature, they are found in mountainous and foothill areas. Summer temperature of the content should be no more than 18-22 degrees, and in winter - no higher than 12-15 degrees.
- Cold-loving oncidiums - naturally grow in mountain forests. The daytime temperature in summer should not be more than 22 degrees, and at night in winter - no more than 7-10 degrees.
Today in flower shops it is rare to find pure representatives of one kind or another. Mostly hybrid varieties are available for sale. They are best adapted to the conditions of apartments and private houses and can grow all year round at temperatures from 14 to 26 degrees. An incorrectly selected temperature regime will negatively affect the rate of growth and development of the plant.
Air humidity
Oncidium can grow well both at 40% humidity and at 70%. Spraying the leaves may only be necessary in the summer during the period of extremely high indoor temperatures or in the winter season, when heating devices are used to heat the room. Air with a humidity below 40% will not allow the plant to fully develop, the leaves will begin to dry. To increase air humidity, special humidifiers or pallets with wet expanded clay (sand) are used. Spraying the leaves with warm water will also help. When the air temperature in the room is below 18 degrees, spraying of the plant must be stopped. To prevent the plant from being affected by fungal diseases, the air in the room must be constantly ventilated.
Watering
Watering is regulated depending on what stage of growth the oncidium is in. During the period when the pseudobulb appeared and until the sprout is formed from it, the plant is watered abundantly and quite often. The bottom of the pot should contain many holes so that water flows freely from the container, and does not linger in it. Stagnant water will quickly lead to decay of the root system. Watering is carried out by full immersion in settled water at room temperature. It is important not to allow the soil to completely dry out, otherwise the root system of the oncidium may not be restored. As soon as a new pseudobulb begins to form, watering must be stopped abruptly. Then you can see the emergence and growth of a new peduncle. As soon as there is complete confidence that a new peduncle is growing on the oncidium, watering is resumed again. A large number of pseudobulbs on a plant is a negative and undesirable phenomenon, since the oncidium simply will not have the strength to bloom. If the pseudobulba wrinkles or shrinks a little during the flowering or dormant period, then you should not worry - this is a normal process for oncidium.
The soil
To grow oncidium, you can use a ready-made mixture from a specialized store or prepared yourself. It should consist of a mixture of pieces of charcoal, pine bark, sphagnum moss, peat. When planting, the plant is placed on the edge of the pot, allowing new shoots to take up free space. A wide pot is suitable for growing oncidium. You can also wire the plant to a piece of tree bark, using moss pieces for additional moisture.
Top dressing and fertilizers
Oncidium is fed only as the shoots grow. As soon as the first pseudobulbs begin to form from them, fertilization is completely stopped. They start it again with the beginning of the growth of the peduncle and finish when the first flower opens on it. The plant is very sensitive to the amount of fertilizer in the soil. For feeding, special fertilizers for orchids are used, but diluted in a concentration 10 times less than that recommended in the instructions for the preparation. Root feeding should be alternated with feeding the leaves.
Transfer
It is necessary to transplant oncidium only in the most extreme cases, since this plant does not tolerate any manipulations with it. If the roots of the plant have completely filled the container or the substrate has become unsuitable for its further use, then you cannot do without transplanting the plant. It is important to cover the bottom of the pot with a drainage layer.
Reproduction of oncidium
At home, oncidium successfully reproduces by dividing a whole bush or by jigging bulbs.
You can divide the bush, provided that at least 3 sprouts remain in each part, otherwise each plot will be unviable. Before dividing and after dividing the bush with a sharp knife, it is forbidden to water the plant for up to 7-10 days, so that the cut sites have time to dry and do not rot when water gets on them. Division is best done in spring. Each separated part must have its own root system. It is advisable to cover the cut points with crushed charcoal. Leaf spraying can be used instead of watering.
Diseases and pests
Oncidium is susceptible to damage by various types of pests and fungal diseases. Among insects, various types of mites, scale insects, thrips, mealybug can harm the plant.
It is quite easy to recognize mealybugs on oncidium leaves. On their surface, white balls are formed that look like cotton wool. They are carefully removed with a napkin dipped in an alcohol solution. Next, the plant must be treated with Aktara in the proportion indicated in the instructions for the preparation.
The scale insect leaves peculiar wax spots on the surface of the leaf during its life. They are removed with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution. Next, the oncidium is treated with Aktara's solution until the plant is completely healed.
Identifying thrips is much more difficult than scabbard or mealybug. Their harm spreads to the leaves in the form of a kind of silvery stripes. On the back of the leaf, you can see black waste from insect pests. You can fight thrips only with the help of insecticide chemicals. To obtain a solution, they are diluted with water in the ratio indicated in the instructions. For home use, for example, actellik is suitable.
Spider mites appear on the plant when the air is too dry. On the leaves, you can see white dots and a subtle thin web. When an orchid is infected with a flat mite, a grayish-white bloom appears on the leaves. When a bulb mite appears in an oncidium, the root system and the base of the stem will be affected. You can fight all types of ticks only with the help of insecticide chemicals.
Oncidium, in addition to insect pests, can be affected by fungal and viral diseases. If brown spots appear on the plant, then the affected parts should be removed, allow the soil to dry completely, reduce watering, and also provide a constant flow of fresh air. To combat fungal and viral diseases, fungicidal agents are used, diluted with water to obtain a solution in the ratio indicated in the instructions for each drug.
Problems when growing oncidium
Violated conditions of keeping this or that type of oncidium lead to the appearance of defects on its leaves or flowers.
- Spots on buds and flowers, rotten leaves indicate excessive moisture in the substrate. In this case, it is important to adjust the watering before the plant begins to die.
- A rotten root system also indicates over-watering or drafts.
- If the air humidity is too low in summer or when the plant is placed near heating devices in winter, the tips or edges of the leaves will begin to dry and turn brown.
It is important to remember that any purchased plant must be quarantined for 30 days before placing it with other green inhabitants on the windowsill.
