Orchid Care: Oncidium Sharry Baby And Soil Needs

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' is a popular orchid hybrid, famous for its chocolate scent. This orchid is easy to grow and blooms with flower spikes that can reach up to 3 feet tall. But does it need soil?

Oncidium Sharry Baby orchids should not be planted in soil

Oncidium Sharry Baby orchids are easy to grow and bloom, and are famous for their chocolate scent, which is strongest in the morning to early afternoon. They are best grown moist, and should be watered frequently if grown in a porous potting medium. If grown in sphagnum, they should be watered just as the medium starts to dry.

Oncidium Sharry Baby orchids should be grown in full sun, in well-drained, coarse bark or volcanic rock. They should be fertilised with a dilute solution of foliar feed every two weeks. They prefer medium light levels and will fare well in any but a north-facing window. They should be protected from hot afternoon sun.

When watering, they like a good drenching and then to be allowed to dry out. If you are unsure whether to water, stick a pencil an inch into the mix and check if the wooden tip is moist or dry when you return. If it is dry, you can water. Use tepid water, as if the water is too cold and gets on the foliage, the orchid will produce tiny black spots.

They should be grown in well-drained, coarse bark or volcanic rock

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchids should be grown in well-drained, coarse bark or volcanic rock. They can be grown in full sun, but they do prefer medium light levels and should be protected from the hot afternoon sun.

When it comes to watering, Oncidium Sharry Baby orchids like a good drenching and then to be allowed to dry out. If you are unsure whether to water, stick a pencil an inch into the mix and, if the wooden tip is dry when you return, you can water. Use tepid water to avoid the tiny black spots that can develop on the foliage if the water is too cold. If grown in a porous potting medium, such as bark mix, water frequently. If grown in sphagnum, water just as the medium starts to dry.

Oncidium Sharry Baby orchids should not be grown in soil.

Water frequently if grown in a porous potting medium

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchids should be grown in a porous potting medium such as bark mix. If you are using this type of medium, you should water your orchid frequently. If you are growing your orchid in sphagnum, you should water it just as the medium starts to dry.

Oncidium orchids like a good drenching and then to be allowed to dry out. If you are unsure whether to water your orchid, stick a pencil an inch into the mix and leave it for a few minutes. When you return, check to see if the wooden tip of the pencil is moist or dry. If it is dry, you can water your orchid. Use tepid water when giving your orchid a drink. If the water is too cold and gets on the foliage, your orchid will produce tiny black spots.

Water with tepid water to avoid black spots

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchids do not need soil. Instead, they should be grown in well-drained, coarse bark or volcanic rock.

To avoid black spots, water your orchid with tepid water. If the water is too cold and gets on the foliage, it will produce tiny black spots. Water frequently if grown in a porous potting medium (e.g. bark mix) or, if in sphagnum, water just as the medium starts to dry.

To check if your orchid needs watering, stick a pencil down an inch into the mix. If the wooden tip of the pencil is dry, you can water.

Consistency is key in preventing black spots. Keep an eye on light, temperature, water, and hygiene. Good air circulation is also important.

Best grown moist

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchids are best grown in a moist environment. They should be potted into sphagnum moss to keep the pseudobulbs plump and happy. However, it is important not to overwater them.

Oncidiums prefer medium light levels and will fare well in any but a northern window. They like a good drenching and then to approach dryness. If you are unsure whether to water, stick a pencil down an inch into the mix and check if the wooden tip is moist or dry when you return. If it is dry, you can water. Use tepid water to avoid the foliage developing tiny black spots.

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' orchids should be grown in full sun, in well-drained, coarse bark or volcanic rock. They should be fertilised with a dilute solution of foliar feed every 2 weeks. If grown in a porous potting medium (e.g. bark mix), they should be watered frequently.

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