Description:
Oncidium orchids, these beautiful plants create a group of over 330 species which each of them represents different traits.
By a very odd reason Oxford Botanists together with the American Orchid Society decided that the genus is a genetic dumping ground. It may be only so due to the huge amount of hybrids that were created out of this type of orchids.
Now to the good side, the genus was first described in 1800 by Olof Swartz a swedish botanist who was one of the first and greatest orchid specialists who classified over 25 genera we know today.
Described first as Oncidium altissimum, which has become the type species. It's name is derived from the Greek word "onkos" meaning swelling to refer to the callus at the lower lip of the flower.
The oncidium grows wild in the jungles of Central and South America. In the wild it can be found on trees and in rock crevices, thus it occurs both at the coast and in the mountain. Some refer to the oncidium as the Tiger Orchid, some as the Dancing ladies.
To me when you see the flowers glitter in the sun, they more resemble a dozen of dragonflies frozen in flight.
Oncidium comes in almost every possible colour, from rich sunny yellow and orange, to pure white forms, purples, pinks, red and even mixed coloured ones with patterns.
Furthermore modern growers hybridized the genus so much you can find wonderful and strange flowers for your own taste.
Care:
I always come across advices to have the plant placed in a well lit but not in the direct sun spot. Best East of South position, but from my experience I noticed the plants needs some movement, my windows are south facing and when the sun comes there in the afternoon after 5 pm the room turns into a sauna and after a few days in such environment the plant leaves turn from warm green to yellowish, this is why I move them for a few days deeper into the room. This may mimic how the weather may look in the jungles, but I am not really sure how to translate this.
Ideal temperatures would range from around 16 degrees up to 22, but my plants have survived over 28 degrees and were fine as long as you keep them moist and spray in the evenings.
Watering is quite confusing, make sure to check what kind of oncidium you have, is it a pure species? Is it a hybrid, or is it one of the more advanced hybrid that are very far away from their original parenthood. Water once a week with a good long soak, the plant will love it as the rain in the jungles lasts sometimes for several hours.
For me the best method is to put the pot in a bigger plant pot and fill it 3/4 and leave sometimes up to 30 - 40 minutes.
Fertilize accordingly to the plant size and it's current requirements.
For the sake of the plant please make sure it doesn't stand in water and always remove any water from the your decorative pot or whatever the plant stands on.
The said usual time for the oncidiums to bloom is in summer and in autumn, although this can very from species and even individual plant, so if your oncidium is a bit too early or late don't be mad just give it time.
Especially with our English weather when most of the time the sun is hiding and it's raining all the time.
During the winter time make sure not to place the pot to close to central heating as this will cause the plant to dry out to quickly and may influence it's growth.
Advice:
If you see your plant is suffering a bit try re-potting it, this will give you an insight into the root system, and decide if the medium you are growing it in is sufficient enough. I have grown my oncidiums In mixture of bark and hydroton clay balls which works well, as it gives plenty of air to the roots but still keeps moisture.
I want an Oncidium, what now?
You may try RayCreekorchids.com or your local Garden and Leisure centre, as they always should have some nice orchids.
But be aware that all new plants should be quarantined for a week to see how they are doing. When buying check for leaf discolouration, wrinkles, damage, lift the pot if you can and see how the roots are.
It may be a hassle and I know sometimes you just see a plant and it's "Oh my God, I must have it!". But for the sake of the plant sometimes it's better to check if it will actually survive the next week or so.
Oncidium orchids, these beautiful plants create a group of over 330 species which each of them represents different traits.
By a very odd reason Oxford Botanists together with the American Orchid Society decided that the genus is a genetic dumping ground. It may be only so due to the huge amount of hybrids that were created out of this type of orchids.
Now to the good side, the genus was first described in 1800 by Olof Swartz a swedish botanist who was one of the first and greatest orchid specialists who classified over 25 genera we know today.
Described first as Oncidium altissimum, which has become the type species. It's name is derived from the Greek word "onkos" meaning swelling to refer to the callus at the lower lip of the flower.
The oncidium grows wild in the jungles of Central and South America. In the wild it can be found on trees and in rock crevices, thus it occurs both at the coast and in the mountain. Some refer to the oncidium as the Tiger Orchid, some as the Dancing ladies.
To me when you see the flowers glitter in the sun, they more resemble a dozen of dragonflies frozen in flight.
Oncidium comes in almost every possible colour, from rich sunny yellow and orange, to pure white forms, purples, pinks, red and even mixed coloured ones with patterns.
Furthermore modern growers hybridized the genus so much you can find wonderful and strange flowers for your own taste.
Care:
I always come across advices to have the plant placed in a well lit but not in the direct sun spot. Best East of South position, but from my experience I noticed the plants needs some movement, my windows are south facing and when the sun comes there in the afternoon after 5 pm the room turns into a sauna and after a few days in such environment the plant leaves turn from warm green to yellowish, this is why I move them for a few days deeper into the room. This may mimic how the weather may look in the jungles, but I am not really sure how to translate this.
Ideal temperatures would range from around 16 degrees up to 22, but my plants have survived over 28 degrees and were fine as long as you keep them moist and spray in the evenings.
Watering is quite confusing, make sure to check what kind of oncidium you have, is it a pure species? Is it a hybrid, or is it one of the more advanced hybrid that are very far away from their original parenthood. Water once a week with a good long soak, the plant will love it as the rain in the jungles lasts sometimes for several hours.
For me the best method is to put the pot in a bigger plant pot and fill it 3/4 and leave sometimes up to 30 - 40 minutes.
Fertilize accordingly to the plant size and it's current requirements.
For the sake of the plant please make sure it doesn't stand in water and always remove any water from the your decorative pot or whatever the plant stands on.
The said usual time for the oncidiums to bloom is in summer and in autumn, although this can very from species and even individual plant, so if your oncidium is a bit too early or late don't be mad just give it time.
Especially with our English weather when most of the time the sun is hiding and it's raining all the time.
During the winter time make sure not to place the pot to close to central heating as this will cause the plant to dry out to quickly and may influence it's growth.
Advice:
If you see your plant is suffering a bit try re-potting it, this will give you an insight into the root system, and decide if the medium you are growing it in is sufficient enough. I have grown my oncidiums In mixture of bark and hydroton clay balls which works well, as it gives plenty of air to the roots but still keeps moisture.
I want an Oncidium, what now?
You may try RayCreekorchids.com or your local Garden and Leisure centre, as they always should have some nice orchids.
But be aware that all new plants should be quarantined for a week to see how they are doing. When buying check for leaf discolouration, wrinkles, damage, lift the pot if you can and see how the roots are.
It may be a hassle and I know sometimes you just see a plant and it's "Oh my God, I must have it!". But for the sake of the plant sometimes it's better to check if it will actually survive the next week or so.
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Some pictures presented in this article may not belong to me and are a property of their respectable owners.
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