Odontioda
Family. Orchidaceae.
Origin. Odontioda - a cultural hybrid from crossing Odontoglossum and Cochlioda.
Description. Evergreen epiphytic orchids with ovoid pseudobulbs. 2 narrow, long leaves appear from the top of each pseudobulb. The flowers are mottled, in shades of pink, red and yellow. Each peduncle can bear 8 - 12 flowers with a diameter of up to 10 cm each.
Height. 35 cm.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
Odontioda loves cool conditions and can hardly tolerate hot summer days with temperatures above 25° C. For abundant flowering, it is advisable to lower the temperature at night to 15 - 16° C. During the dormant period, the temperature should not fall below 10° C.
Lighting
A brightly lit location without direct sunlight.
Care
A fairly unpretentious orchid, suitable for beginners. It is better to trim the peduncle after it wilts.
Substrate for orchids
Based on sphagnum moss, fern roots and pine bark, loose, nutritious, with the addition of perlite to improve drainage. Add small pieces of charcoal to the finished mixture. The soil must be air and moisture permeable.
Feeding
Fertilizers for orchids, diluted to half the dose recommended on the package, monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in autumn and winter.
Flowering time
The flowering of Odontioda is impressive and can last up to two months. Buds appear at any time of the year, but most often in the summer months.
Air humidity
Orchids are kept at high air humidity. To increase humidity, use a tray of water covered with a grate, on which, in turn, the pot is placed. Make sure that the bottom of the pot does not come into contact with water. You can surround the pot with a layer of damp sphagnum moss or use a room humidifier. Spraying the leaves is not recommended, as water can leave unsightly white spots on them. The plant needs good air movement.
Watering
Watering during the growing season should be plentiful, but excess moisture from the pan should be drained after a few minutes. The soil should dry out to a depth of about 2 - 3 cm before the next watering. During the dormant period, the frequency of watering is reduced. As the temperature increases, the frequency of watering should also be increased.
Transplant
Odontioda should be replanted every 1 - 2 years, as needed, in fresh soil. The orchid likes slightly cramped conditions.
Reproduction
It reproduces by separating pseudobulbs or daughter shoots that may appear in the lower part of the plant.
Pests and diseases
The appearance of reddish spots on the leaves is caused by direct sunlight.
Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are spider mites, aphids and mealybugs, and scale insects.