Oncidium: home care and flower varieties

Description of the Orchid Oncidium Twinkle

Oncidium Twinkle, in translation "flicker" is a miniature sympodial orchid, one of the types of oncidium. It can be compared to a creeping vine. The orchid grows horizontally, growing by the growth of new processes, and not in height, like phalaenopsis, but to the sides.

Before they bloom, the "shimmer" oncidium looks like a fairly simple orchid, with bare roots, thick dark green rounded leaves and "intertwined" stems. However, when their tiny buds open, they form a constellation of delicate miniature flowers, with a sweet scent reminiscent of vanilla. Some people even say it smells like vanilla cookies!

Twinkle blooms from each pseudobulb. Peduncles are formed from the axils of the leaves and from the tops of pseudobulbs.

Large sprouts can produce up to one hundred miniature flowers, each of which is no more than 1.5 cm, usually in winter and once in summer.

Twinkle is a simple hybrid between the Heroforum and Ornitorhum orchid and was credited to the W. Moir of Hawaii as early as 1958. Although Choreforum is pure Oncidium yellow and Ornithorhynchum is usually found in shades of pink, Twinkle produces a range of colors from white to red. The most famous variety is the white "Fragrant Fantasy". Several awarded plants simultaneously had from 1500 to 2000 flowers on 20 peduncles, which exuded a wonderful warm scent.

Kaoda Twinkle

Phalaenopsis Caoda Twinkle orchid variety is special, it is referred to as "black" because of the rich color of the petals. But the distinguishing feature is something else - the variety has a white lip, which looks especially elegant against the dark background of the flower and thereby enhances the contrast.

The stem lives and develops for 6-8 years, begins to bloom 2-3 years after separation from the mother plant.

Advice! Do not be alarmed if the flowers are too small at the first flowering, it is just that during the dormant period it is worth slightly increasing the dose of fertilizers.

Kaoda Twinkle.

A transplant will only be required when the roots fill the entire pot.

You should pay special attention to the root system. It is the freely decomposed roots that will be the key to the normal development and regular flowering of the stem.

In crowded conditions, the plant can simply build up terrestrial greenery or stop development altogether.

The stem no longer has any peculiarities when growing, the care is also standard. Photophilous, but it is better to protect it from direct sunlight in the spring.

Diseases and pests of the orchid oncidium

Oncidiums are often affected by rot, bacterial and fungal forms. If brown spots become noticeable on the leaves, then the damaged areas must be carefully removed, and appropriate conditions for keeping are ensured:

• Increase the room temperature
• For a while, give up the shower and spraying on the leaves
• Provide good ventilation and complete drying of the soil between waterings

At the same time, the damaged plant should be treated with fungicides and antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action, diluting them in water strictly according to the instructions. The resulting solutions are watered and sprayed on the orchid.

It will be considered completely cured if new spots do not appear on it for a long time.
Oncidium can be affected by such pests as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, aphids.

Immediately after the purchase, it is recommended to put the plant away from other indoor plants for a month and carefully observe it in order to identify possible insect pests in time.

• Most often, the orchid suffers from a mealybug, you can notice it by the former fluffy lumps on the leaves, which outwardly resemble pieces of cotton wool. To get rid of the pest, you should moisten a cotton swab in alcohol and remove them from the plant, and then treat with Aktara.
• The appearance of white dots and cobwebs on the leaves indicates a spider mite defeat. If the plant is "attacked" by a flat mite, the color of the leaves will change to a silvery white.The base of the stems and the root system are often damaged by the bulb mite.
• Scabbards look like plaques resembling wax droplets.
• Thrips are almost invisible to the naked eye, but they can be identified by the silvery stripes on the leaves.

Regardless of which pest has settled on the oncidium, it is necessary to wipe the leaves and ground parts of the plant with a napkin dipped in alcohol or soap solution, and then treat with karbofos or actellik, dissolving 20 drops of the drug in one liter of water.

How to water an oncidium orchid?

The main rule is that the substrate must dry completely, and only then will the flower be ready for a new portion of moisture. In this question, there is no exact answer how many days should be between waterings, since many factors affect the rate of soil drying: air humidity, temperature, light level, etc.

You can check when and how to water oncidium in a simple way: deepen your finger into the pot and thus check the moisture content of the substrate - if it has not dried out at a depth of 3-4 centimeters, you should wait a little with watering.

It is recommended to water this flower with a warm shower, in which the water temperature will be in the range of 30-40 degrees. This method is as close as possible to the natural habitat of the flower, and is most suitable for him. By regularly watering oncidium with a warm shower, you can achieve regular and frequent flowering.

How is oncidium flowering related to watering?

It should be noted that the flowering of this species is very closely related to watering. Frequent and abundant flowering can be achieved only if the correct watering regime is observed, which changes as the flower grows.

Until the process of pseudobulb formation begins, watering the young plant should be abundant and frequent. It is better to do this by immersing the flower pot in warm water. The procedure is carried out as the soil dries up - in summer this can happen in a couple of days, and in rainy autumn weather - not earlier than in a couple of weeks.

It is important to monitor the development of the orchid and, as soon as a new bud begins to develop, abruptly stop watering - this way you can ensure rapid flowering without additional maintenance. A few weeks later, a peduncle should form at the bud, and from this moment the previous watering regime is resumed

After the end of flowering and until the next new growth, watering is slightly reduced, thereby giving the flower rest.
With proper care, onciditsum blooms every 8-12 months. A large number of pseudobulbs will cause more frequent flowering as new shoots mature and develop.

Transfer

Oncidium is a plant that is very sensitive to transplanting, and it should be carried out only in the most extreme cases: when the soil becomes too saline or when roots grow, when the buds begin to hang from a cramped pot.

During transplantation, dry or rotten roots are removed, as well as those buds that have had time to completely dry out and wrinkle. You should not cut off green bulbs, even if they are already in a shriveled state: they have accumulated water and a supply of nutrients that are so necessary for the full development of a flower.

When transplanting, an important point should be taken into account - several points of growth are characteristic of oncidium, and such an orchid should be planted not in the center, but moving along with the old pseudobulbs to the edge of the pot, thereby freeing up space for young shoots, the growth of which should be directed towards the center.

It should also be remembered that you do not need to greatly deepen the base of the flower when transplanting.

Only the roots are immersed in the soil, and the bottom of the pseudobulb should not be in the ground - it is important that it is constantly in the air, ventilated

Oncidium does not need a transparent pot - its roots do not contain chlorophyll, and they do not need light.A wide and low pot is most suitable, 1/3 of which should be filled with drainage.

Substrate

This species grows well in a substrate consisting of a mixture of small pieces of pine bark, peat, sphagnum moss and charcoal.

If the oncidium orchid is grown on blocks, then the roots should be wrapped with a thin layer of moss to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture, and then tied to a large piece of pine bark.

Top dressing

Top dressing is necessary only during the formation of young shoots. As soon as the pseudobulb begins to develop, the need for fertilizers disappears, and feeding is resumed with the appearance of the peduncle and the beginning of flowering. Then they stop feeding the flower again until new shoots appear.

The roots of this orchid are highly sensitive to soil salinity. For this reason, suitable fertilizers are diluted in a large amount of water, usually 1:10 of the usual dose. In addition, fertilizers are applied along the sheet, spraying with a prepared weak solution.

Caring for the rhynchostilis orchid at home

This plant does not differ in undemanding care. In order for it to grow and develop normally, it is necessary to constantly maintain a certain temperature, humidity and illumination.

Illumination

Such an orchid is photophilous and it is recommended to place it in a sunny place. However, from the scorching midday direct rays of the sun, it should be shaded to prevent burns on the surface of the leaves. If the lighting is too bright, then the leaves change their color to reddish, after the flower is removed in the shade, they turn green again. If there is little light, then the foliage turns dark green.

In order for flower stalks to form, you need not only bright lighting. Also, the duration of daylight plays an equally important role. So, all year round it should be from 10 to 12 hours. In this regard, in autumn and winter, rhynchostilis needs to be illuminated with phytolamps.

Temperature regime

This plant must be provided with a moderately warm temperature regime. Moreover, it needs changes in daily temperatures. During the day it should be from 22 to 28 degrees, and at night - from 17 to 20 degrees. It should be noted that the difference in daily temperatures should have a difference of approximately 5 degrees.

Earth mixture

This orchid does not need a substrate. It grows on a block with open roots. As a rule, the block is made from a large piece of pine bark, on which the roots and base of the stem are fixed. You can also use lattice baskets made of plastic or wood. The roots should pass freely through the holes in the walls.

How to water

Watering is carried out by immersing the root system in a basin filled with soft and always lukewarm (from 30 to 40 degrees) water. After the leaf sinuses have been thoroughly dried (if necessary, all the liquid must be removed from them), the plant must be placed in its usual place. This should be done to prevent the formation of rot on the base of the leaves.

Humidity

High humidity is required. So, the humidity in the room should be at least 60–65 percent. To do this, it is necessary to ensure systematic frequent spraying, and it is also just necessary to use a household steam generator, while the air stream must be directed to the roots.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the plant from March to November. Top dressing is carried out 1 time in 2 or 3 weeks, while using special fertilizers for orchids (take ½ part of the dose recommended on the pack). The fertilizer should be diluted in water intended for moistening or watering the plant.

Being on the street

Being in the fresh air, such an orchid will be provided with the optimal temperature regime with the necessary temperature drops during the day, but at the same time, you need to choose a place with very high air humidity for it.

Reproduction methods

When grown indoors, this flower cannot be propagated. By a happy coincidence, a baby can form on the escape

It can be carefully separated from the mother plant only after its roots are fully formed.

In industrial conditions, rhynchostilis is grown meristemally (cloning) or from seed.

Pests and diseases

Resistant to pests. Often, rot may appear on the flower as a result of waterlogging, or its roots dry out due to low humidity.

Also, the plant may not bloom. This is due to many reasons related to violations of the rules of care. As a rule, this is observed due to low humidity and poor illumination.

Recommendations for the care and maintenance of oncidium orchids at home

Lighting. Oncidium is a light-loving orchid that can form abundantly buds only with enough light. When choosing a place in the house for its maintenance, you need to focus on those window sills where the flower will be in the sun for as long as possible

The south window is the best fit for this crop, but you should pay attention to the leaves. Direct rays can leave burns on their surface, appearing as red spots

Then the plant will have to be shaded. When growing an orchid on a northern windowsill, one should hardly expect flowering, despite the fact that the flower will grow and develop successfully. In this case, an artificial plant lamp will help eliminate the lack of light.

Air temperature. Air temperature readings play an important role in orchid breeding. However, their range may differ, depending on the type of oncidium. So, tropical varieties in the warm season feel comfortable at a temperature of 26 - 30 degrees, in the cold season at a temperature of 15 - 19 degrees. Temperate species should be grown at 19-23 degrees in spring and summer and 12-16 degrees in autumn and winter.

There are also varieties of oncidiums that prefer to grow in cool conditions. For them, the temperature in spring and summer is 20 - 22 degrees, in the autumn-winter period - 7 - 11 degrees.

Many hybrid species and varieties bred for breeding in an apartment can grow and bloom at temperatures of 15 - 28 degrees.

Watering

Oncidium orchid is very sensitive to watering, so this work should be given special attention. The frequency and amount of watering depends on what stage of growth the plant is in.

If the flower has already formed a pseudobulb and a sprout appears from it, it is necessary to moisten the soil often and abundantly. To avoid stagnant moisture, which will damage the root system, it is necessary to choose the right pot. It must have drainage holes.

For watering an orchid, it is important to use warm, settled water.

Air humidity. When caring for an oncidium orchid when keeping a house, it should be borne in mind that it can grow and bloom both with low and high humidity. But if dry air is combined with intense heat, you should spray the bush daily using soft filtered water. Spraying is also carried out in winter, when heating devices start to work. If you neglect spraying, orchid leaves will dry out.

To increase the humidity of the air at the time when it is necessary, special devices - humidifiers - will help.

The soil. For planting oncidium, a light, loose, air-permeable and permeable soil is suitable, which can be prepared at home by mixing crushed pine bark, perlite and charcoal in a ratio of 3: 1: 1. A composition of pine bark, peat, sphagnum and charcoal, taken in a ratio of 2: 1: 1: 1: 1, is suitable.

Top dressing.The plant needs nutrients for the active formation of new shoots, therefore, when growing this crop, fertilizers should be periodically applied. This work is performed during the period of intensive plant development, that is, from March to September, 2 times a month. As a top dressing, a mineral complex for orchids is used. Fertilizer is diluted in water, reducing the dose by 2 times compared to that indicated on the package. Top dressing is added during watering.

To understand how the oncidium orchid care is carried out at home, the following photos will help, where the main nuances of this work are well traced:

Pests and growing problems

Oncidium is a fragile and delicate flower. Violation of agricultural practices often leads to various problems.

Pest infestation

Problems caused by inaccuracies in care

The care requirements for oncidium differ from most indoor flowers. In fact, it turns out that caring for him is not as difficult as it seemed at first. A beautiful bloom will generously reward your efforts.

Common varieties

There are many varieties of oncidium. The most famous and popular are the following varieties:

• Oncidium is yellow. It is considered the most unpretentious variety. Common among experienced and novice florists. Flowers are small, yellow, collected in dense inflorescences.
• Sweet Sugar. Bulbules are small, two-leaved, tightly attached. Peduncle up to 35 cm. Flowers are yellow, up to 3 cm.
• Tiger. Unpretentious, rare variety. Flower arrow up to the meter. The lip of the flower is bright yellow, the petals are reddish brown.
• Oncidium Twinkle. Miniature variety. Small flowers - up to 1.5 cm. Different colors - white, pink, light yellow.
• The oncidium is winding. Distinctive characteristics are a long root system, divided by flattened pseudobulbs. Height up to 20 cm. Flowers are small, inflorescences are loose.

Advice! The absence of flowering indicates a violation of the conditions of detention. Flowering occurs when a dormant period is provided. At night, the temperature must be lowered by 4 ° C. A common mistake of novice florists is the removal of wrinkled bulbs. By removing them, you are depriving the plant of nutrients.

Phalaenopsis Caoda

Phalaenopsis Caoda is classified as an epiphyte with a dark color of flowers. If you study this color more precisely, it becomes clear that true black colors do not exist. Phalaenopsis lack a gene that can create such a pigment for a flower.

The color is achieved due to the saturation of maroon and lilac colors, and if the trunk also has a light lip, then the contrast immediately gives out wishful thinking.

Most species have a light, subtle odor, which is especially evident in the morning and evening hours. An increase in odority is also observed with an increase in humidity around the trunk.

During the flowering period, the stem usually pleases with two peduncles at once, on which medium-sized flowers are placed tightly to each other.

Varieties

Oncidium yellow

This type of orchid is characterized by unpretentiousness and rich flowering of a lemon-yellow hue. Graceful erect peduncles rise above the green foliage. The small size of the flowers is more than compensated by their number, and each peduncle bears from 10 to 25 buds. Their blooming into yellow flowers with a bright red spot occurs simultaneously. Flowering of yellow oncidium lasts at least 1 month, and cut flowers retain their fresh appearance for up to 2 weeks.

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Oncidium "Sweet Sugar"

Oncidium "Sweet Sugar" was bred specifically for indoor conditions. The hybrid is characterized by excellent decorativeness, which does not require special efforts in terms of care. The leaves of the plant are not wide with sharp tips, having a juicy color. The erect peduncle branches out as it grows, and dozens of buds bloom one after another. The most notable part of the flower is the large lip with a brownish-red spot at the base.

Oncidium "Twinkle Red Fantasy"

During flowering, this small orchid becomes strewn with many small pale pink flowers with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm. People call the hybrid "Fragrant Orchid", because in the morning it emits the most delicate and sweet aroma. On the peduncle, the plants bloom from 30 to 50 buds, and the duration of the lush flowering is about 3 weeks.

Oncidium "Popcorn Haruri"

A miniature orchid variety, unpretentious in care. During the flowering period, "Popcorn Haruri" pleases with small white-yellow-lilac flowers. The size of the flower is 1-1.5 cm.The plant grows to a height of 15 cm.

Oncidium "Bird-billed"

A small compact orchid blooms in small yellowish-creamy-brown flowers with a vanilla chocolate scent. Peduncles are formed in length up to 60 cm and are overgrown with racemose inflorescences. Leaves are thin, up to 30 cm long. The flowering time of this variety falls on the autumn-winter period.

Positive energy of the Oncidium Twinkle orchid

Orchid oncidium improves not only the energy of the house, but also the lives of the owners themselves. Improves their spiritual and physical condition.

According to the ancient Chinese teachings of Feng Shui, it is necessary to be more prudent when purchasing an orchid into the house. In this case, you can avoid falling under negative influence, and the flower will become a faithful talisman for a female representative, promotes creativity and helps improve talent.

To make the orchid fall in love with you, take care of it with love, protect it from pests and do not let the flower dry out. A healthy plant has the power that will prolong the youth of a woman, strengthen her health and cheer, strengthen the female character and bestow beauty.

Oncidium helps to become much more entrepreneurial and more active. Get a magical beauty if you feel that your vitality is running out or you are more lazy than usual and there is no motivation to start implementing your plans.

A yellow or orange orchid like Twinkle oncidium promotes enthusiasm and supports creative hosts. It will become a support for those who have lost their inner harmony and want to find it. Will support women who are depressed and melancholy.

An orchid can not only prolong, but also restore beauty and health to its owner.

In China, a friendly orchid symbolizes the beginning of spring, harmony, grace, elegance, prosperity, and also friendship, love, attractiveness and feminine charm.

Plant care at home

Caring for oncidium at home is easy

Particular attention should be paid to maintaining the temperature regime, since different types of orchids require different conditions.

In this case, the difference between day and night temperatures should be ensured, which should be at least 4 degrees.

Oncidium does not tolerate cold indoor air and drafts, so the flower should be kept away from open windows and balconies.

Lighting and location

An orchid requires bright but diffused lighting. Whether the flower has enough light can be determined by the state of the leaves. With a lack of sunlight, they lose brightness, turn yellow or acquire a reddish-brown color. The plant may stop growing and not bloom.

If the location is chosen correctly, the foliage has a deep dark green color.

Watering and humidity

For regular flowering, the plant needs to provide regular watering. The next watering is carried out when the light roots, which are located on the soil surface, dry. In this case, you should stand for some time so that the roots breathe.

To do this, the pot is placed in a container of warm water for 20-30 minutes on 1/3 of the flower pot. Watering is carried out 3-4 times a month in summer and 1-2 times in winter.

When laying a new bulb, watering is stopped. When a new flower stalk is formed, you can water the orchid again.

Transplant and feeding

The orchid does not tolerate transplanting well. A change of soil is carried out only in the case of a strong growth of the root system or a large amount of moss in the substrate of a recently purchased plant.

Chlorophytum: how to properly plant and care for a home plant

The transplant is carried out before the formation of new roots on young pseudobulbs begins. Oncidium requires a nutrient mix consisting of crushed pine bark, charcoal, coarse sand and chalk. In the upper part of the soil, he spreads moss, which will maintain the necessary moisture.

Before transplanting an orchid into fresh soil, a container should be prepared, at the bottom of which a drainage layer is laid. Next, add pieces of bark. Place the plant in a pot so that the bulb is not deeply immersed in the soil. Lightly tamp the mixture around the plant. To give a stable position, secure the plant with a support.

The flower is fed during the period of active growth of new shoots and is stopped when the bulbs are formed. When a peduncle appears, fertilization is resumed. Then they take a break again before the growth of new shoots begins.

For feeding, use a complex mineral fertilizer intended for this type of plants. The concentration of the solution should be very low - 1: 8, 1:10.

Orchid propagation

Experienced growers do not recommend dividing an overgrown bush into several small ones, since new shoots are not daughter plants. When dividing a bush, oncidium may not bloom for a long time.

Reproduction is carried out in the case of a strong proliferation of tubers. To do this, separate the part of the rhizome, on which there are at least three bulbs and a couple of leaves. If there are no leaves, the cut should be placed on moistened moss for germination.

After transplanting, the young plant is not watered for 7-10 days.

Flowering and resting period

Orchids are plants that have a distinct dormant period. Some hybrid varieties can grow evenly throughout the year.

Strict adherence to the rest period is essential. It usually occurs in early autumn, when new bulbs are laid. At this time, you should lower the room temperature by 4 degrees and stop watering. To maintain moisture, the bush can be sprayed.

With proper care, the orchid blooms once every 12 months. An adult plant with a lot of bulbs may bloom more often.

Spathiphyllum: the birthplace of the plant and description of the varieties

Reproduction of oncidium

Propagating a spectacular flower is quick and easy. In order to get a new plant, two methods are used: dividing the bush, jigging pseudobulbs.

It is possible to propagate oncidium by dividing the bush only if there are at least 7 pseudobulbs on it. This work is recommended to be carried out during transplantation. The best time to divide is spring. A sharp, clean knife is used in the work. The cut sections are processed with crushed charcoal. After that, they are seated in new containers filled with substrate and removed to a shaded place. Watering is not carried out for 10 days.

If there are already pseudobulbs on the bush, it divides into parts on its own without any intervention. If you want to remove a part of the plant from the pot, you need to dig it out, use a sharp, disinfected knife to separate the area with pseudobulbs and sprinkle the cut sites with activated carbon. You can leave the bush in the same pot, then two orchids will grow in one dish, which will delight you with many new shoots and buds.

Oncidium is what an orchid

Having come to us from Central and South America, this "epiphytochka" won the hearts of flower lovers with its unpretentiousness.

And, although the flowers of oncidium are small and they can rarely bloom (for a month, once every 8-12 months a year), many sincerely love this particular genus.

The orchid got its second name ("dancing girl") thanks to the lower lip of the flower - expressive, really similar to a girl's skirt. When the breeze hits the flower, this "skirt" gently sways, as if it were really from a dance.

In addition to the original flower, the plant also has pseudobulbs - a rounded transition from stem to rhizome. This photo shows exactly how they look (although the bulb is shown "dried" - this is a sure sign that the orchid is thirsty).

What is the "basic" color of these colors

Unlike most orchid species, which are only good in the wild and greenhouses, oncidiums do well in our homes. Yes, now there are many hybrid varieties, but natural species are quite amenable to "training".

These orchids are:

• Yellow. Yellow Oncidium, Sweet Sugar, Twinkle can please with such flowers.
• Yellow with red specks. With such flowers, the Winding or Moth oncidium pleases.
• Brownish red. This is a typical Tiger coloration. In addition to coloring, it is noticeable for its growth - the peduncle grows up to 1 meter (compared to the 30-centimeter Sweet Sugar, it is just a giant).
• Brownish pink. Lanza orchid coloring.
• Pink and white. These are also the colors of the Twinkle variety.

The main features of a correct fit

How to choose a soil?

Soil (substrate) is one of the most important conditions for the good development and growth of a plant. On sale there is a ready-made primer "For Orchids", which is used by most flower growers.

You can prepare the substrate yourself. Mandatory components contained in the substrate:

• The bark of coniferous or deciduous trees. Well-cooked pine bark is usually used. Is she, unlike oak? does not contain tannins and does not decompose as quickly as in some other breeds;

• Charcoal as a good absorbent and salt filter;

• Inert components: vermiculite, expanded clay, perlite, polystyrene, etc .;
• Sphagnum moss - mulch and filter.

Capacity

The optimal capacity is a transparent plastic pot with drainage holes in the bottom and side walls.

They serve both for the waste of excess moisture and for the air circulation necessary for the root system. The transparency of the container gives a full opportunity for photosynthesis of the root system.

Technology

A drainage layer of inert materials is laid on the bottom of the pot with a layer of 2-3 cm. Roots are dropped into a container, which is a couple of centimeters wider than the root part, and covered with bark of the required fraction.

Compaction occurs when plant resistance is achieved. Some growers recommend placing small pieces of polystyrene under the root collar to avoid moisture decay.

If necessary (dryness indoors), the surface is mulched with moss.

When transplanting, special attention is paid to carefully removing the roots from the old flower pot and processing them from the formed rotten areas. Rotten and damaged roots are cut, and the cut sites are disinfected with crushed activated carbon or crushed cinnamon

Rotten and damaged roots are cut, and the cut sites are disinfected with crushed activated carbon or crushed cinnamon.