Overwintering guide
How to overwinter mule-ear oncidium
Winter watering
Cut watering right back — mule-ear oncidium uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
The mistake that kills mule-ear oncidium in winter
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and mule-ear oncidium rots from the base.
More mule-ear oncidium care
Overwintering mule-ear oncidium — FAQ
Does mule-ear oncidium need to come indoors for winter?
Mule-Ear Oncidium is hardy to roughly USDA zone 11 — winter lows around 4°C. That means it will not survive frost and needs to come inside. Mule-Ear Oncidium is frost-tender, so overwintering means bringing it inside and letting it rest rather than pushing it to grow. Move it indoors well before the first frost, give it the brightest spot you have (light levels indoors drop sharply in winter), and keep it away from both cold window glass and hot radiators — the swing between the two does more damage than the cold itself.
When should I move mule-ear oncidium for winter?
Bring indoors when nights start dropping below about 10°C, ahead of the first frost.
How often should I water mule-ear oncidium in winter?
Cut watering right back — mule-ear oncidium uses far less while growth slows, and cold, wet compost is the usual cause of winter root rot. Stop feeding until spring.
What kills mule-ear oncidium over winter?
Watering on the same schedule as summer. In winter that keeps the roots sodden while the plant is barely drinking, and mule-ear oncidium rots from the base.