How to Maintain Odontoglossum Orchids

Place the orchid near an east or shaded south window. They need filtered, subdued light. A window on the west side of the home will provide too much sun. The day time temperature in the room should be between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and night time temperature should be between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water the odontoglossum orchid when the potting soil begins to dry out. Water the orchid in the morning by placing it in the kitchen sink and watering with lukewarm water, letting it run out of the drainage holes or slits for one minute.

Provide a humid environment for the orchid. According to the American Orchid Society, odontoglossum orchids need 40 to 80 percent humidity along with adequate air circulation. Raise the humidity for the orchid by placing it on pebbles inside of a tray with just enough at the bottom so the flower pot itself never touches the water.

Feed the odontoglossum orchid with a 30-10-10 fertilizer twice a month if the orchid is in a bark-based potting soil. Use half the suggested amount on the label. You can also fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) once a week with one-fourth the recommended amount on the label. Water the orchid before applying the fertilizer.