Most are sympodial epiphytes, or rarely terrestrials. The pseudobulbs are compact with leaf-like bracts at the base. They give one to three apical leaves. An arching (and sometimes erect) inflorescence grows from its base. The ruffled sepals and petals of these spectacular flowers are spreading. The lip is rather complex, entire or with three lobes. It stands erect or parallel to the long column. The high altitude species show long inflorescences with up to 150 flowers (as in O. cirrhosum), while the lower altitude species have shorter inflorescences with up to 20 flowers. These flowers may be white, red, purple, brown, yellow, or even be blotched with a showy blend of many colors. Many of these species are in great demand with orchid lovers because of their spectacular and flamboyant flowers.
Odontoglossum Care
Odontoglossum
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Humidity
High
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
16°C - 26°C
Difficulty
Medium
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Odontoglossums prefer light, frequent watering, usually two or three times per week. Water odontoglossum orchid plants in the morning, using room-temperature water. Allow the potting mix to become nearly dry between waterings and never let the plant stand in water
Fertilizer
Fertilize your orchid every other week using a diluted solution of an orchid food with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20. If your odontoglossum plant is growing primarily in bark, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 30-10-10.
Sunlight
Sunlight should be bright but not intense, such as an east-facing window or a lightly shaded south-facing window, although odontoglossum orchid plants in high temperatures require a little more shade.
Temperature
Odontoglossum orchid plants prefer cooler conditions and are fairly picky about temperatures. Keep the room below 74 F. (23 C.) during the day and about 50 to 55 F. (10-13 C.) at night.
Container
Repot every year or two – whenever the plant grows too big for its pot or water no longer drains normally. The best time is in spring, after the plant has finished blooming. Use a fine-grade orchid potting mix.
Popularity
9 people already have this plant 3 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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