We have found them to be the easiest to grow and bloom of all the Orchid Families, and thus: we specialize in them. But like every other orchid--you must do it correctly. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS: PUT THEM WHERE THEY LIKE TO BE !! Oncidiums like 50% shade. This can be full morning sun till about 11 AM then shaded by a tree, roof or whatever. They do very well hanging in the branches of trees; in an enclosed swimming pool area; or on a screened porch, patio or lanai. You can grow them in the house but it is much harder work than outside. In the house it is dry (from heat & Air conditioning). Oncidium, like most orchids, are Tropical and like higher humidity than is found inside the house. But if they are inside you simply "spritz" them with a fine mist of water or place a tray of stones or marbles under the pots--fill the tray with water up to just under the pots (they don’t want to be IN THE WATER--THEY WANT TO BE---OVER THE WATER.) Then the evaporating water will provide humidity for the plants. But, AGAIN, outside is best.

Oncidiums don’t want to dry out completely between waterings so---where we water Cattleyas and Dendrobiums once per week---we water Oncidiums twice. We water once a week with clear water---and once a week with 1/4 teaspoonful of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water (we use Peters 20-20-20-)  (weakly--weekly). Our plants have been well over 90 degrees in hot summer and below 40 degrees in winter. BUT--I recommend a range of 50 to 90. (safe rather than sorry). Naturally they like air-movement, so don’t place them where the air is stagnant. There are many media that are used for Oncidiums--bark, treefern, sphagnum moss, cocoanut chips, perlite, etc. We use cocoanut chips & perlite about 50/50. We have used them all & we may change again!! The thing to consider about media is: it must be well draining yet retain some water. Oncidium like to be mounted--right onto a tree or on a slab. JUST REMEMBER: they will perform their best if they are not allowed to go DRY. Properly grown (and it is easy) they will reward you with lots of flowers that last a long time.

If you have any questions--call (772) 778-1928 or E-mail Bill. If you have any trouble reaching me at that email address, try this alternate.