If you want an orchid that fills your home with a sweet, cozy fragrance, look no further. The oncidium sharry baby – fragrant chocolate-scented orchid is a favorite for a very good reason.
Its sprays are covered in dozens of beautiful, burgundy and white flowers. And yes, they really do smell like chocolate and vanilla. It’s a rewarding plant that, with a few simple tips, can bloom spectacularly for you year after year.
Oncidium Sharry Baby – Fragrant Chocolate-Scented Orchid
This popular hybrid is often called the “chocolate orchid.” It’s known for its prolific blooming and that unforgettable scent. A mature plant can produce multiple flower spikes at once, each loaded with blossoms.
The scent is strongest in the warmer hours of the afternoon and evening. It’s not overwelming, but a pleasant fragrance that can perfume an entire room. This makes it a truly interactive houseplant.
Why Choose a Sharry Baby Orchid?
There are many reasons this orchid has become a classic. It’s more than just its smell.
- Incredible Fragrance: The chocolate-vanilla scent is unique in the plant world and utterly charming.
- Profuse Bloomer: It can produce hundreds of flowers on multiple spikes, creating a stunning display.
- Long-Lasting Flowers: Each bloom can last several weeks, and the overall blooming period can extend for months.
- Relatively Forgiving: For an orchid, it’s adaptable and resilient, making it good for growers with some experience.
- Compact Size: It doesn’t take up excessive space, perfect for windowsills or under grow lights.
Perfect Light for Healthy Growth & Flowers
Light is the most important ingredient for getting your orchid to rebloom. Sharry baby orchids need bright, indirect light.
An east-facing window is often ideal. A south or west window can work too, but you might need to diffuse the strong afternoon sun with a sheer curtain. If the leaves turn a very dark green, it’s not getting enough light. Leaves that are yellowish or have a reddish tinge might be getting to much direct sun.
Signs of Good Light
- Leaves are a bright, grassy green color.
- The plant grows new pseudobulbs (the swollen stem bases) each year.
- It reliably sends up new flower spikes in the late summer or fall.
Watering: The Art of the Soak and Dry
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm an orchid. These plants are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees in nature. Their roots need air and a chance to dry out.
- Check the Medium: Before watering, stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels damp, wait.
- Soak Thoroughly: When it’s nearly dry, take the pot to the sink. Water it generously until water runs freely out the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get moisture.
- Let it Drain Completely: Never let the pot sit in a saucer of water. Let all excess water drain away before putting it back in its decorative pot or tray.
- Adjust for Seasons: Water more frequently in the warm, bright growing season (spring-summer). Reduce watering in the cooler, darker winter months.
Potting Mix and Repotting Needs
Never use regular potting soil. Your Sharry baby needs a chunky, fast-draining mix that allows air to reach the roots.
A typical orchid mix contains ingredients like fir bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and charcoal. Repot every 1-2 years, or when the potting mix starts to break down and become soggy. The best time to repot is right after flowering, or when you see new roots starting to grow (they look like green tips).
Simple Repotting Steps
- Gently remove the orchid from its old pot, teasing apart any old, broken-down mix.
- Trim away any dead, mushy, or completely dry roots with sterile scissors.
- Choose a new pot that’s only slightly larger (orchids like being snug).
- Place the plant in the pot and fill in around the roots with fresh orchid mix, tapping the pot to settle it.
Feeding Your Orchid for Success
Regular feeding supports strong growth and those amazing blooms. Use a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer.
A common and easy rule is “Weekly, weakly.” This means using a diluted fertilizer (about 1/4 to 1/2 strength) every time you water during the growing season. In the winter, you can cut back to feeding once a month. Flush the pot with plain water once a month to prevent fertilizer salt buildup, which can burn the roots.
Temperature and Humidity Preferences
Oncidium Sharry baby enjoys intermediate to warm temperatures, similar to a comfortable home.
- Daytime: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- Nighttime: A drop to 60-65°F (15-18°C) is beneficial, especially in fall, to help initiate flower spikes.
- Humidity: Aim for 40-60% humidity. You can use a humidity tray (a tray with pebbles and water) or a room humidifier. Good air movement is also crucial to prevent disease.
Encouraging Spectacular Blooms
Sometimes an orchid grows well but refuses to flower. If your Sharry baby is being shy, check these three factors.
- Light: Insufficient light is the #1 reason orchids don’t bloom. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect light.
- Temperature Drop: A 10-15 degree difference between day and night temperatures in the autumn can trigger spiking.
- Fertilizer: Make sure your are feeding regularly with a fertilizer that includes phosphorus (the middle number on the bottle) to support blooming.
Once a flower spike appears, you can stake it gently for support. Avoid moving the plant to a different location while the buds are developing, as this can cause them to drop prematurely.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
How often does the chocolate orchid bloom?
A healthy Oncidium Sharry Baby typically blooms once a year, usually in the late summer or fall. The flowering period can last for several weeks to a few months.
Is the chocolate orchid scent strong?
The scent is noticeable and pleasant, often strongest on warm afternoons. It’s not overpowering but can nicely fragrance a medium-sized room. Not every single flower will be equally fragrant.
What do I do after the flowers fall off?
After blooming, you can cut the old flower spike near the base. Continue with normal care—watering, feeding, and providing good light—so the plant can gather energy for next year’s show. It might grow new leaves and pseudobulbs during this time.
Why are my Sharry Baby’s leaves wrinkled?
Wrinkled leaves usually indicate a problem with the roots, often from underwatering or from roots that have rotted due to overwatering and can’t take up moisture. Check the roots health and your watering routine.
Can I grow this orchid outdoors?
Yes, in warmer months if you have a shaded, protected spot (like under a tree). Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C). The fresh air and natural temperature fluctuation can actually benefit it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No Flowers: Increase light exposure and ensure a nighttime temperature drop in fall.
- Yellowing Leaves: Could be too much direct sun, overwatering, or a natural process of shedding an old leaf.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Often a sign of low humidity, fertilizer burn, or salt buildup from tap water. Try using rainwater or distilled water to see if it helps.
- Black or Mushy Roots: A sign of overwatering. Repot immediately, removing all affected roots, and adjust your watering schedule.
With its stunning flowers and magical fragrance, the oncidium sharry baby – fragrant chocolate-scented orchid is a truely special plant to care for. By providing the right balance of light, water, and food, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking performance season after season. Remember, patience is key—observe your plant and it will show you what it needs.