Odontoglossum Orchids - 5 Simple Ways to Create the Perfect Environment for Your Odontoglossums

Odontoglossum orchids are adored for their complexly designed blossoms. They bloom with colors ranging from white, yellow, red and purple, with some having colors and patterns that resemble a tiger. They grow in cooler places of the world and are the ideal house plants. They can produce several blooms at a time. The flowers can last up to six weeks or more if cared for correctly.

Like any other type of orchids, these plants need the basics - light, water, humidity and the correct temperature to bloom. However, it has certain needs that other orchids do not have. In order to effectively grow them and create the ideal environment where they can flourish, here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Light.

Odontoglossums grow best under low filtered light. But this doesn't mean they require shade year-round. Put them where light can reach them but not too much. Other sources of light are their best friend because they can be controlled, unlike the sun.

Greenhouses and similar structures are also the best places for this species of orchids since sunlight can be regulated to a certain degree. Do not ever bring them out in direct sunlight, or the leaves will burn.

Check the leaves to know if the proper lighting is being given. Yellowish foliage means they require more light and dark green foliage means they require less. Yellow-green colored foliage is the perfect sign of proper lighting.

2. Water and Humidity.

Like most other plants, odontoglossum orchids must be watered once or twice a week depending on the weather. If the temperature is warmer give them more water, and less when the weather is colder. The only thing you have to watch out for is when they are growing new bulbs. When a new shoot is starting to grow give it more water, and go back to the usual weekly rule once it has grown completely.

The humidity levels must be somewhere between 50% and 70% and not any lower than 40%, or they will be dehydrated. To help your orchids' moisture requirements, you can mist them during mornings or make a semi-humidifier. Place a tray with small stones and water in the bottom of your container and you are good to go.

3. Temperature.

Odontoglossums are the type of orchid that desires a cooler temperature for them to flourish. 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 perfect temperature would be 80°F and 60°F at night.

These plants can take warmer and cooler temperatures but not for a long period of time. If left in these situations, the flowers may not totally bloom or may not bloom at all. The blooms often last for 6 weeks or more, depending if the right orchid care is given. Do not forget to give sufficient air circulation for they like fresh air, similarly found in their natural habitats.

4. Fertilizer.

Feed odontoglossums plant food at least once every month. Cut back every so often. A high nitrogen mixture of this proportion is best, 20:10:10. Do not forget to water first before you fertilize them. Then at least once every month rinse off the pot to wash out salt residues. Never over-fertilize them because this might burn the roots and the new shoots.

5. Potting and Repotting.

These types of plants are usually classified as epiphytes. So the best potting medium for them is osmunda. Some advise using the medium fine fir bark.

Use smaller-sized containers since they grow best in them. Its root system loves to be confined. Add your medium 1/3 from the base of the container, and then add your orchid. Spread the roots and fill it firmly with the remaining medium. Odontoglossum orchids need to be repotted at least once a year. Get rid of 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 formed roots, or if it has grown one to three inches in height.

Division must be done by potting three to five mature bulbs. Make sure to keep the medium wet until new roots have formed, and then go back to the usual watering.

Knowing how to handle these conditions specifically for odontoglossums will enable you to grow the healthiest plants possible. Enjoy your orchids!


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Mary Ann Berdak is the publisher of www.OrchidCareZone.com - a top online destination for orchid care tips and advice.