Odontoglossum orchids are loved for their complexly designed flowers. They blossom with colors ranging from white, yellow, red and purple, with some having colors and patterns that look like a tiger. They grow in cooler regions of the world and are great house plants. They can produce several blooms at a time. The blooms can last up to six weeks or more if cared for properly.
Like any other species of orchids, these orchids need the basics - light, water, humidity and the correct temperature to flourish. However, it has certain requirements that other species do not have. In order to effectively grow them and create the perfect environment where they can flourish, here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Light.
Odontoglossums flourish ideally under low shaded light. But this doesn't mean they require shade all year. Position them where light can reach them but not too much. Artificial sources of light are their best friend because they can be controlled, not like the sun.
Greenhouses and similar structures are also the best places for these types of orchids since sunlight can be regulated to a certain degree. Never place them in direct sunlight, or the leaves will burn.
Check the leaves to be sure that the proper lighting is being given. Yellowish foliage means they need more light and dark green leaves mean they require less. Yellow-green colored foliage is a good sign of correct lighting.
2. Water and Humidity.
Like most species, odontoglossum orchids must be watered once or twice a week depending on the weather. If the temperature is hotter provide them with more water, and less when the weather is cooler. The only thing you have to watch out for is when they are creating new bulbs. When a new shoot is starting to bloom give it more moisture, and go back to the regular weekly rule once it has formed completely.
The humidity levels must be between 50% and 70% and not any lower than 40%, or they will dry up. To support your orchids' moisture needs, you can mist them during mornings or make a semi-humidifier. Put a tray with small stones and water in the bottom of your pot and you are good to go.
3. Temperature.
Odontoglossums are the type of orchid that desires a colder temperature for them to thrive. The reason for this is because in the wild they flourish in the high mountains of the Andes and the cool forests of Central South America. During the day the ideal temperature would be 80°F and 60°F at night.
These plants can tolerate warmer and colder temperatures but not for a long period of time. If left under these conditions, the blossoms may not totally bloom or may not bloom at all. The flowers regularly last for 6 weeks or more, depending if the correct orchid care is given. Do not forget to provide sufficient air movement for they like fresh air, similarly found in their natural environment.
4. Fertilizer.
Give odontoglossums plant food at least once every month. Decrease the frequency every so often. A high nitrogen mixture of this proportion is best, 20:10:10. Remember to water first before you fertilize them. Then at least once every month hose down the pot to remove salt residues. Never over-fertilize them because this might burn the roots and the new shoots.
5. Potting and Repotting.
These types of orchids are usually classified as epiphytes. So the most suitable potting medium for them is osmunda. Some suggest using the medium fine fir bark.
Use smaller-sized pots since they grow best in them. Its root system loves to be confined. Add your medium 1/3 from the base of the pot, and then add your orchid. Spread the roots and fill it firmly with the remaining medium. Odontoglossum orchids must be repotted at least once every year. Take away the old potting mixture and remove any dead roots. You can be sure the plant is able to be repotted by checking if a new shoot has grown roots, or if it has grown one to three inches in height.
Division must be done by potting three to five older bulbs. Be sure to keep the medium moist until new roots have formed, and then go back to regular watering.
Learning how to handle these conditions specifically for odontoglossums will enable you to grow the healthiest plants possible. Enjoy your orchids!
