Odontocidium

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Odontocidium is a hybrid of oncidium and odontoglossum.

Description. Epiphytic orchids with long, belt-shaped leaves up to 20 cm long, pseudobulbs slightly compressed. The flowers are very attractive, in shades of white, yellow, purple, burgundy, up to 9 cm in diameter, with a pleasant aroma. Flowering is very abundant - each peduncle can bear up to 40 flowers.

Height. Quite a large orchid - reaches a height of 90 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant, the preferred temperature range is about 24° C during the daytime, decreasing to 16 - 18° C at night. During the dormant period, for abundant flowering, odontocidium requires cool conditions - from 13 to 16 ° C.

Lighting

The bushes prefer shade in spring and summer, in cloudy autumn-winter weather they should be provided with maximum possible lighting. The reddish-green color of the leaves indicates an excess of light, with a lack of light the leaves become light green.

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. The pH range is from 5.5 to 6.5. 

Feeding

Use fertilizers for orchids monthly, during the growing season, or twice a week, if the solution is diluted to half the recommended dose. 

Flowering time

Depends on the specific species and conditions of detention. 

Air humidity

Odontocidium likes high air humidity - at least 40 - 50%. As the temperature rises, the air humidity should also increase. Air masses near the plant should be constantly in motion so that water evaporates from the leaves.

Watering

Water carefully in the autumn-winter period; during the growth period, water in such a way that the top layer of soil dries out a little between waterings. Excess water from the pan must be drained. For watering, use soft water at room temperature. 

Transplant

For planting, choose a deep pot, as this plant has a large root system. Replant adult specimens every 2-3 years, after flowering, but do not compact the soil around the roots too much - they need to breathe. It is best to use pots with clay walls for planting - they will evaporate moisture faster and let air through.

Reproduction

Propagated by dividing adult plants; during transplantation, each division should have at least 2 of its own pseudobulbs.

Pests and diseases

Leaf spotting.

Among the harmful insects, the most common are spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects.