Odontoglossum orchid is restricted, for it never leaves the Andes, and it is extensive, for it is found in all parts of that vast mountain-chain, from the confines of Florida to the frontiers of Chili. It is to be found on open spots in the humid cloud forest at higher elevations (1400 to 3500 meters above sea level with the exception of Odontoglossum hastilabium).
Odontoglossum orchid also called as Ornithidium, Osmoglossum, is a genus of the Orchidaceae family. This genus was described by Alexander von Humboldt, Aimé Bonpland and Karl Sigismund Kunth in 1816. The scientific name is derived from the Greek words 'odon' (tooth) and 'glossa' (tongue), referring to the two tooth-like calluses on the base of the lip.
IDENTIFY ODONTOGLOSSUM ORCHID PLANT
Odontoglossum orchid is restricted, for it never leaves the Andes, and it is extensive, for it is found in all parts of that vast mountain-chain, from the confines of Florida to the frontiers of Chili. It is to be found on open spots in the humid cloud forest at higher elevations (1400 to 3500 meters above sea level with the exception of Odontoglossum hastilabium).
The species of this genus are mostly sympodial epiphytes, rarely terrestrials, typically grow to a height of 40-90cm although some are taller, cool to cold growing orchids with compressed pseudobulbs, one to three leafed and an inflorescence that arises, erect or arching and occasionally pendulous, from the base of the pseudobulb.
These orchids blooms mostly in late autumn and spring with the flowers that have spreading sepals and petals, a complex labellum, tri-lobed or entire, erect or parallelly to the column, and lateral lobes that are erect or revolute and the mid-lobe is spreading. These flowers may be white, red, purple, brown, yellow, or even be blotched with a showy blend of many colors.
Odontoglossums are frequently interbred with other related Oncidium species to create intergeneric hybrids, amongst the more common including Colmanara, Odontioda, Odontocidium, Vuylstekeara, Beallara and Wilsonara. The intergenerics are considered the best option for hobby growers as they have a wider spectrum of colours and are more robust than the Odontoglossum species itself. Odontonia, Odontioda and Vuylstekeara require a similar culture to Odontoglossum.
ODONTOGLOSSUM ORCHID PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Odontoglossum orchid need a light level of 10000-50000 lux for mature plants, but less for young plants and when temperatures are high (70% shade cloth over summer and more light in winter). Some growers recommend even lower light levels of 10000-15000 lux. More light strengthens flower colour but more shade improves white and paler colours.
These orchids prefer lower light levels than Oncidiums and Cymbidiums and have similar light requirements to Masdevallias and should be kept well shaded. Leaves turn reddish blue if receiving too much light and leaf loss will occur if too sun damaged. Dark green leaves indicate insufficient light. A slight bronzing of the leaves and older bulbs indicates the light is good for flowering.
Temperature:
Odontoglossums prefer cool to cold temperatures and can easily suffer from heat stress in summer. The optimum temperature range is between 8°C and 26°C. Growth will be slower however if optimum temperatures are exceeded. Humidity and airflow must be kept higher as temperature increases. In their natural environment night temperatures can fall to 5°C and although tolerant of low temperatures down to 0°C, they will not tolerate frosts.
Humidity:
Odontoglossum orchids prefer a humid environment, preferably between 40 and 80% humidity. It is important to damp down the greenhouse floor or use misters to increase humidity in hot weather. Protect against hot dry wind. Pots can be placed on gravel filled trays containing water in summer to increase humidity but pots must not sit in water. Accordion pleating of leaves can be a symptom of insufficient water or humidity or irregular watering. However the pleating can also be genetic in some cases and unavoidable.
They need good air movement, particularly as humidity increases, and fans are advisable to prevent fungal diseases. Leaf fungal diseases and black spotting can be a problem for Odontoglossums. Try to water in the mornings and not in the heat of the day or late afternoon as leaves may stay wet during the evening.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Odontoglossums grow as epiphytes or terrestrials in the natural environment. Having finer roots they should be grown in small bark (5-10mm) perlite potting mix (5:1) or in sphagnum moss and perlite (70:30). Some growers place a layer of sphagnum moss on the top of the pot to reduce evaporation and keep the roots cool. They can also be grown in perlite with a layer of gravel on the top.
These plants should be repotted every year to every 2 years in spring or autumn when new growths are about half mature. They should be grown in small squat pots that allow more frequent watering. The base of the new growth should be planted about 1.5cm into the bark but no deeper. Keep bark barely moist until new roots appear then resume normal watering.
Watering:
The species of this genus come from a high rainfall environment and do not experience a dry period in their natural environment. They like abundant water and require frequent watering in warmer months. They must never be allowed to dry out.
They are very sensitive to poor water quality which will inhibit root growth and cause leaf-tip burn. Pots should just begin to dry before watering. Misting daily in very hot weather is recommended. To reduce leaf spotting, avoid watering in the heat of the day or late afternoon in warmer months. Also avoid wetting the leaves and water the pot, not the leaves.
Fertilizer:
These orchids require frequent application of half to quarter strength fertilizer all year round but less in winter. Apply fertilizer every 2 weeks when growing actively but monthly when less active. They are not gross feeders and too much fertilizer will harm their roots and turn leaf tips brown. Use of high phosphorus or potassium fertilizers as plants approach flowering can increase flower count and substance.
Rest period:
Odontoglossum orchids do not a rest period to stimulate flowering nor in winter. But they need less water in the winter, especially if they grow under the conditions of a dark, short day that occurs in moderate latitudes. You can let the plants dry between the next watering, but you must not let the plants stay dry for a long time. Fertilization should be limited or should be completely abandoned until spring, when stronger watering resumes.
BUY ODONTOGLOSSUM ORCHID PLANT AND RELATED PRODUCTS
SOME SPECIES AND HYBRIDS OF ODONTOGLOSSUM WITH CULTURE SHEET AND CARE TIPS:
- Odontoglossum blandum - The Charming Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum cirrhosum - The Wavy Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum crispum - The Curled Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum cristatellum - The Golden Oncidium
- Odontoglossum crocidipterum - The Saffron Yellow Two Winged Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum gloriosum - The Glorious Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum hallii - Hall's Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum harryanum - Harry's Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum kegeljani - Kegel's Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum lindleyanum - Lindley's Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum x luerorum
- Odontoglossum luteopurpureum - The Yellow-Purple Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum naevium - The Speckled Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum nobile - The Grand Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum spectatissimum - The Spectacular Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum subuligerum - The Terete-Leafed Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum tenue - The Delicate Odontoglossum
- Odontoglossum wyattianum - Wyatt's Odontoglossum
Hello, great article. What is name of the 1st odontoglossum photo by David Stang? Thank you
ReplyDeleteIt is Odontoglossum Caralcade.
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