When it’s time to re-pot an orchid, the leaves and bulbs get packed into the pot so it’s really bulging, so it’s easy to tell. Usually the best time to re-pot and divide orchids is after the flower starts to finish and it looks daggy. The flowers are in full bloom and the buds are starting to open up, making October/November an ideal time for this.
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What is the best potting mix for Oncidium orchids?
Oncidiums are packed with material that does not promote long-term health. The mix that i trust the most is from bonsai jack. This mix is made mostly of Fir bark and supplemented with horticulture charcoal and perlite to allow optimum air flow to the root zone.
I have been using this mix for several years now and have not had any problems with it. I have noticed that some of my plants are starting to show signs of root rot. I am not sure if this is a result of the mix or if it is something else that is causing the problem.
How often should I water my Oncidium orchid?
The general rule is that Oncidiums with thicker roots and leaves don’t need to be watered as frequently as those with thinner leaves. When the planting media is moist, plants should be watered with room temperature water every two to 10 days. If the soil is too dry, the plant may not be able to take up the water.
Watering the plants in the spring and summer is not necessary, but it is a good idea to water them every other day during the growing season. In the fall and winter, watering is more important, especially if you want to keep your plants healthy. Watering is best done in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Do not use a watering can with a hose attached to it, as this can cause the roots to dry out too quickly.
The best way to do this is to fill a bucket with water and place it on the ground. Then, place the bucket on top of a potting mix, such as peat moss or vermiculite, and fill it to the top. Place the pot in an area with good air circulation, so that the air can circulate through the mix.
Do orchids like to be root bound?
Most casual orchid-keepers don’t need to worry about repotting. Orchids enjoy a long, healthy life in the ground, so they can be repotted as often as they like. How to repopulate an orchard with a new crop of flowers.
When should I fertilize my Oncidium orchid?
Fertilize when plants are growing. Plants in a bark-based potting medium are ideal for applications of 30-10-10) twice a month. Applications can be made once a month if the skies are cloudy. Do not use water that has been sitting in the pot for more than 24 hours. Water should not be allowed to sit on the surface of the soil for longer than a few minutes.
The soil should remain moist but not soggy for at least 48 hours after the last application of water. This is especially important if you are using a water-soluble fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro® Miracle Grow® or other products that are designed to be applied directly to the roots of plants. In this case, it is best to allow the water to evaporate before applying the fertilizer.
Can Oncidium grow in soil?
Oncidium orchids are epiphytic plants that do not grow in traditional soil or potting mix at all, but rather they are normally potted in a bark-based potting medium. The advantage of this medium is that it is easy to work with, as well as being relatively inexpensive. In the past, I have used a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite in my soil, which has worked well for me.
However, in the last few years I’ve been experimenting with a mix of perlite and sand. Perlite is a clay-like material that can be found in most hardware stores. Sand, on the other hand, is sand that has been sanded down to a fine powder. It can also be purchased at most garden supply stores, or you can purchase it online from a variety of sources, such as Amazon.com.
In either case, you want to make sure that the sand you use is coarse enough that it will not clog up the drainage holes in your soil. If you are using sand, it is best to use a coarse sanding block that is at least 1/2 inch in diameter.
What kind of orchid is a dancing lady?
Oncidium orchids are known as dancing lady or dancing doll orchids for their distinctive floral design. They are said to look like branches covered in butterflies because they have so many fluttering blooms on each spike.
What do you do with Oncidium after flowering?
Repotting should be done after the growth season. To avoid damaging the plant, wait until it has finished flowering. When repotting an older plant, make sure to take care of the fragile roots.
How do you rehydrate an Oncidium orchid?
After repotting soak the pot in a bucket of water for maybe 12 hours or so. The roots will be rehydrated and the pseudobulbs will return to normal. After that, keep it moist but make sure it doesn’t get wet; let the pot dry out to the last quarter or third of its original size. The next step is to remove the root ball.
You can do this with a sharp knife or a pair of tweezers, but I prefer to do it with my hands. If you don’t have a knife, you can use your fingers to gently pry the ball out of the soil. Once it’s out, it should look something like this: Once you’ve removed the pseudo-bulk, cut it into small pieces.
I like to use a kitchen shears to cut the pieces in half, so that I can keep them separate from the rest of my potting mix. The pieces should be about the size of a golf ball, and they can be cut into smaller pieces if you want to make a larger pot.
It’s also a good idea to put a small amount of compost in the bottom of your pot to help keep things moist and to encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
