This group includes thin-leaved oncidiums, the tiny equitant oncidiums and the butterfly types. Brassias, commonly called spider orchids, are also included. Equitants and the butterfly types are grown like Phalaenopsis, except in clay pots. The following is the

care for the thin-leaved oncidiums and brassias.

Light: Bright, filtered sunlight similar to the light required for

cattleyas.

Temperature:   Nights above 50* F. Day  temperatures below 90                                                    to 95 * F. Remember to increase water, fertilizer and air                                                                circulation during high temperatures. You may also have to                                                            increase shading during the summer months.

Water:  Water thoroughly and allow to dry between watering.

Fertilizer: Fertilize during the warmer months with any good orchid fertilizer. “Weekly-weakly” with a 1/4 strength solution.  Fertilize on a regular basis. Less fertilizer during the cooler winter months. You may supplement with a time release fertilizer (Nutricote).

Potting:  Repot when the plant has outgrown the pot or the media has broken down.

Dendrobium

Dendrobium – Dendrobiums are popular because of their long-lasting flowers and frequent blooming habit. Some become very large and others have been bred to stay very compact. All of the evergreen dendrobiums offered are easy to grow and bloom.

Light: Provide bright, filtered sunlight. Morning sun is the best. A bright south or east exposure is good. During warm seasons, a screened patio or the shade of a tree is desirable.

Temperature: Nights above 55* F. Day temperature below 90* F.  Keep phalaenopsis- type dendrobiums warm (never below 55* without protection) or they will lose their leaves.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow to dry between watering. Grow somewhat on the drier side during the cool winter months. Over -watering damages roots and plants will use their energy to produce keikis instead of  flowers.  Nobile type dendrobiums require a “dry winter rest”, meaning no fertilizer and less water until they set buds in the spring.

Fertilizer:  Fertilize during the warmer months with any good orchid fertilizer. “Weekly-weakly” each week with a 1/4 strength solution. Reduce fertilizer during the cooler winter months.

Potting:   Dendrobiums do not like to be repotted; they like to be crowded in their container. When they become well-established in their pot they will increase flower count and vigor. The best time to repot is when the plant is putting out new roots.  Since most Dendrobiums like to dry out between watering, clay pots are recommended.