Odontoglossum orchids are a cool weather orchids that originated in the cloud forests of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, where temperatures range between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit year round. They are similar to the Oncidiums and have similar growing requirements. The Odontoglossums have been hybridized into many cultivars and are popular for their unique flowers, some of which are scented. If you can simulate the natural growing conditions of the Odontoglossum orchid, you will have success growing them in your home or greenhouse.
Pot your Odontoglossum in either coir (coconut husk fiber) or peat moss using a pot with a drainage hole.
Provide the correct filtered light for your Odontoglossum. Use a light meter to make sure that your plant is receiving between 1000 and 1400 foot-candles, which is essential.
Maintain a humidity between 55 and 75 percent. Never allow the humidity to drop below 40 percent. You can help to maintain the correct humidity by keeping your plant on a plant saucer filled with pebbles. Keep a small amount of water in the saucer to keep the bottoms of the pebbles wet, but do not allow the plant to sit in a puddle. Also, spray your Odontoglossum with a fine mist of water every morning.
Allow your Odontoglossum to dry out before watering, but strive to maintain moisture below the surface of the coir or peat moss.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer having an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 or 20-10-20 every time you water your plant during the warmer months and every other time you water in winter.
Repot your Odontoglossum once every year to 18 months. Watch for new roots and new shoots that are 2 to 3 inches tall. Remove dead roots and old potting medium before you transfer your plant into fresh medium.