Encouraging blooms in Oncidiums

[m_ms09]

Just wondering if there are any "tricks" for encouraging blooms in oncidiums? ie. increased watering / light, etc??

I have a bunch of mature oncidiums that I would love to see bloom this summer!

[cb977]

My trick with Oncidiums was to continually say "I don't do well with Oncidiums" over and over

Other than that, I give mine high light.

[m_ms09]

Originally Posted by cb977

My trick with Oncidiums was to continually say "I don't do well with Oncidiums" over and over

Other than that, I give mine high light.

hahaha - I think I read somewhere that oncidiums are considered the "ego booster" orchid because, apparently, anyone can grow them. I've had good luck so far, but now I'm just patiently awaiting for them to decide that it's time to bloom! I think I'll have to move them closer to a south window because right now they are about four feet from one and only get indirect morning sun.

[William]

My Oncidiums have beautiful foliage but no blooms in two years. They sure don't boost my ego that's for sure. Perhaps more light.

[Jorch]

Originally Posted by m_ms09

hahaha - I think I read somewhere that oncidiums are considered the "ego booster" orchid because, apparently, anyone can grow them. I've had good luck so far, but now I'm just patiently awaiting for them to decide that it's time to bloom! I think I'll have to move them closer to a south window because right now they are about four feet from one and only get indirect morning sun.

It would help if you can tell us which species/hybrids that you are trying to bloom. Some can take more light and abuse than others.. lol~

But in general, four feet away from a south facing window anywhere in Canada with only indirect morning sun is NOT enough to bloom any Oncidiums

[m_ms09]

Originally Posted by Jorch

It would help if you can tell us which species/hybrids that you are trying to bloom. Some can take more light and abuse than others.. lol~

But in general, four feet away from a south facing window anywhere in Canada with only indirect morning sun is NOT enough to bloom any Oncidiums

I have a couple sharry babies, a dark star and some generic yellow ones that I don't have the species names for. So far this summer, none have bloomed (but my Miltassia "big difference" sure did!).

[Lagoon]

If upping the light source doesn't or hasn't helped out, then a cool down into the 60's for 1 to 2 weeks should work, some will need the cool down time. I've also found leaving them in almost darkness for 5 days will bring on spikes, then throw them back in the bright / regular lighting.

hth

[snow]

sounds like you have all the tricks covered ''gloria''.

[Tommyr]

Bright indirect light, feed regularly, cool, early fall temps.
Never fails me.

[brewmyster]

I have a Sharry Baby spiking now. Have outside under a tree so it gets early morning sunlight. and have been watering about evey 3 days while it is really hot.

Not sure if that helps but ...

Mark