Odontoglossum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Central and South America, Mexico, Peru.

Description. The genus Odontoglossum or Rossioglossum includes 175 evergreen, epiphytic or lithophytic orchids. Pseudobulbs are ovoid or oblong-oval, conical. Each pseudobulb produces 1 - 3 oblong, green, leathery, belt-shaped leaves from 10 to 30 cm long. The peduncles are vertical or arcuate-curved, bearing from 20 to 100 large, showy flowers of various shades - from white, to pinkish, greenish, brown and yellow. The diameter of the flowers depends on the species and can range from 3 to 12 cm; the petals and lip have corrugated edges.

Height. 10 - 80 cm, depending on the specific type.

Care

Temperature conditions

Odontoglossums prefer cool conditions, the flower is kept at a temperature of 15 to 18 °C, with a decrease at night. The plants should spend the winter dormant period at a temperature of at least 10 °C; they can tolerate a short-term decrease in temperature to 7 °C. If these orchids are kept in too hot an atmosphere, their flowers do not open fully.

Lighting

Odontoglossum tolerates partial shade, but it is better to provide good lighting. Bright green leaves indicate that the plant is receiving the right amount of light. If the leaves turn dark green, the orchid does not have enough light; if the leaves become reddish, there is an excess of light.

Substrate for orchids

A standard orchid mix containing sphagnum moss, fern fibers, pine bark, small pieces of charcoal, perlite, vermiculite or coarse sand to improve drainage. The soil for growing odontoglossum must be air and moisture permeable. The optimal pH is considered to be 4.5. 

Feeding

Most modern hybrids grow continuously all year round and are also fed at any time of the year. For feeding, use fertilizers intended for orchids, diluting them to half the recommended dose. During the growing season, you can feed 2 times a month, during the period of relative rest - 1 time per month.

Flowering time

Most often, odontoglossums bloom once a year, but their flowering lasts up to 1.5 - 2 months and can occur at any time of the year. 

Air humidity

High humidity is very important when growing orchids. Place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles to increase humidity, or use a room humidifier. Make sure the bottom of the pot is above the water level in the tray. Daily misting can be done with soft water at room temperature, being careful not to get it on the flowers and buds. Good air movement allows stagnant water to evaporate faster. Place the odontoglossum in a place with sufficient air movement.

Watering

The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and composition of the soil. It is advisable to use soft rain or bottled water for watering. Distilled water cannot be used for watering, as it does not contain useful minerals. Dry the soil a little between waterings at any time of the year.

Transplant

Orchids are replanted every 2 to 3 years, when new growth begins. Odontoglossum blooms profusely in cramped conditions and it is not always necessary to change the size of the pot when replanting. 

Reproduction

Divide large plants when transplanting. 

Pests and diseases

With excess nutrients, the tips of the leaves turn brown. 

Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites and aphids, thrips and scale insects.