How to Get Odontoglossum Orchids to Bloom

Orchids are bright, elegant flowers that grow and bloom as houseplants throughout the country. Odontoglossum orchids grow in frilled yellow, white, brown, red, pink and purple blooms, and in many combinations of these colors. These are cooler-temperature orchids than some other varieties, but still require very specific lighting and temperature conditions to grow and bloom. Keep the orchids in the right spots, with the right watering and nutrition, to encourage in-season blooming.

4- to 6-inch pots
Peat moss/fern matter/fir bark
Orchid fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Keep Odontoglossum orchids in heavy 4- to 6-inch pots with drainage holes to balance their tall growth. Use peat moss, fern matter, fir bark or orchid planting media to grow these orchids, which need quick drainage and air circulation around their roots at all times.
- 2
  Put Odontoglossum orchids in spots where they'll get medium indirect light. Odontoglossum orchids don't like bright light, and burn in direct light. Keep them near a south- or north-facing window but not in the window sill.
- 3
  Maintain daytime temperatures around 75 to 85 degrees F for ideal Odontoglossum growing and blooming. Extremely cold or hot drafts will inhibit blooming and may kill the buds that develop. Nighttime temperatures should fall between 55 and 60 degrees F.
- 4
  Water Odontoglossum orchids only after they dry out. Give each orchid 1 inch of water when the planting media is completely dry, and avoid getting water on the leaves.
- 5
  Feed Odontoglossum orchids once a month during their growing phase with orchid-specific water-soluble fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer according to the directions and use this supplemented water in one of your waterings. Increase feedings to weekly when the orchid is in bloom to give the plant the resources it needs to produce and maintain its blooms.

How to Care for a Phalaenopsis When the Flowers Drop

How to Troubleshoot Yellow Leaves on an Orchid

Orchids