Odontoglossums are amongst the most varied and colourful of the orchid family. The fact that they
are often compact plants which can flower in 3 inch pots makes them good subjects as house plants.
The intricate veining and spotting of the flowers has led to their being called 'Butterfly Orchids'.
Light
Odontoglossums grow under fairly low light levels; in the home, for instance, they do best in a North
or North-East facing window. However, do not place them in the middle of the room as they need
to be close to a window. In the greenhouse, they need shade from late February until the end of
September. Shade-netting, like Rokolene 60%, should be fastened to the outside of the greenhouse.
From late April until mid-August, this should be doubled. We do not recommend putting
Odontoglossums outside during summer because of the risk of wind and sun damage to the leaves.
Feeding
Most Odontoglossum hybrids grow continuously, all the year round and so feeding should match.
From February until August, feed with high nitrogen (20:10:10), using it at half strength at every
second watering. From September until February, feed with high potash (4:4:8), using it at half
strength at every second watering. Occasionally a foliar feed such as Maxicrop can be used as a
tonic.
Watering and Humidity
Water every 5-7 days, all the year round if they are being grown as house plants. In the greenhouse,
water every 4-7 days from the end of February until September, depending on weather conditions.
During October and November when not much heat is needed and light is reduced, they may go 10-
14 days between waterings. From December until the end of February when heating is on, you will
need to water every 7-10 days. The ideal humidity is between 60%-70%, but do not worry if this
falls in summer while the ventilators are open. This can be remedied by floor damping in the early
evening.
Temperature
Odontoglossums are cool growing orchids from the high Andes and need a minimum night
temperature of 52°F (11°C). This should rise in the daytime by 1O°F (5°C) during Autumn and
Winter, and by 20°F (l0°C) during Spring and Summer. Temperatures a little outside these
extremes can be tolerated. Ventilation should be used from March to September. Odontoglossums
love fresh, airy conditions and we find it is a good idea to install a circulating fan, running all the
time.
Flowering
Most Odontoglossums flower once each year when mature, the blooms lasting six weeks or more.
The main flowering time used to be late winter and spring, but modem breeding has given us plants
in flower at any time of the year.
Potting
Repotting is best carried out from January to June or late August to early October. The timing
depends on the young shoot being between 1" and 3" in height.
Allan Long, Mansell & Hatcher
- Odontoglossum, by Bockemühl
- Orchids for Everyone, by Williams et al (Beginners)
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Orchids, by Alec Pridgeon
The North Hampshire Orchid Society is affiliated to The Royal Horticultural Society & The Orchid Society of Great Britain
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