Yellow Dancing Lady Orchid

Looking after your Oncidium Orchid

This exotic looking orchids are surprisingly easy to look after and will reward you with a flush of cheerful flowers for several weeks in a cool room.

These are plants of the forest – they like some light, but don’t like to be scorched. A light spot in a cool room or north facing windowsill is ideal. They do also like some humidity and often do best in kitchens or bathrooms where the air is damper. If this is not possible you can always give the foliage a light mist every week or so or try placing a damp sponge between the plastic pot and the pot holder to create the same effect.

How often you need to water will depend on the room conditions. Typically, about half a teacup a week, but make your own judgement, by feeling the weight of the pot. Try feeling the weight when dry and when well-watered and then try and keep it half-way in between. Water from the top and let the excess drain out through the lightweight compost. These orchids have aerial roots that were built to hang in the warm moist air of the swamp. Their roots should never be allowed to stand in water – if they can’t breathe, the plant will die.

Once your orchid has finally finished blooming cut the flower stems right back and find a nice out of the way spot with an even temperature for them to rest. With a bit of luck, they should flower again next year.