Monday, 23 November 2015 22:41

Oncidium Intergeneric Hybrids

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ronounced: on
Crosses between various species and genera
in the Oncidi
ae tribe,
have resulted in plants that have come a long way from the original
species in beauty and ease of culture
These plants start bloom
small with spikes of fancifully patterned flowers in shades of white,
yellow, red and brown, and as they mature become large, robust plants
with long stems of flowers.
start with healthy roots:
Pot in a
Fir bark mi
tures are best, with 0.5 to 1.0
chunks of bark
, perlite and charcoal
Report when the medium
s to break down or when the new
growth will be over the edge of the pot.
Remove old medium
if it is loose,
any rotting roots
or brown bulbs
hoose a
stic pot that
will allow for 2 to 3 new grow
hs and
position in the pot so that the new growths will grow from the
middle to the edge
Roots should dry out somewhat between watering. When the plant
is actively growing, water when
has just begun t
o dry out
t is still slightly
damp. When the plant is completing its growth
start to let it dry more, to encourage flowers rather than vegetative
growth. When it is dormant, typically in winter, do not water until
is almost completely dry. When
watering, water
thoroughly, with a volume of water at least equal to that of the pot.
Do not use water softened in salt
consuming water softeners.
ow mineral water is preferred, such as
water or rain water. If hard water is used, water ve
ry heavily to flush minerals.
Fertilize weakly and frequently with a balanced fertilizer. One
eighth to one
quarter strength recommended
for house plants every week in spring and
summer and
every two weeks in autumn and winter.
thy leaves produce more and bigger flowers:
light levels are appropr
iate. Leaves should be a light
green, not yellowish
(too much light)
or dark green
little light)
They should be firm, not long and floppy (more light needed)
A slight red
blush indicates
an ideal light
level on some plants. A more pronounced red blush will indicate too much light.
hours o
f sunshine on a windowsill (
or South
or 6
12” under an eight
tube fluorescent fixture
or under an
HID sodium or metal halide l
Plant size usually prevents mature plants growing under fluorescent lights.
should be firm;
if wrinkled
, check roots for rot, and repot if necessary. High humidity
(such as
enclosing the plant in a plastic bag)
will aid recovery i
f most or all of roots lost, but be careful of rot.
Oncidiums do best with 50
% humidity but
when mature
will grow and bloom, although more slowly
n lower
Use humidifier to raise humidity
humidity pans
and misting
effective. Enc
plant growing
is effective
Oncidium hybrids
in intermediate
with 14
C minimum winter nights
and 29
°C summer day
Ensure 6
C day/night difference to aid
flower formation.
Some varieties prefer slightly different temperatures:
Warmer temperatures: Brassia hybrids, including Miltassia, Beallara and Maclellanara.
Cooler temperatures: Odontoglossum hybrids, including Vuylstekeara and Odontioda.
lly bloom annually
and the flowers individually last for
ee or more
Maintain plant orientation while spike is growing for best display.
often provide much superior flower size and color as mature plants than as first bloom seedlings.
Buds turning yellow, wilting and falling prior to opening is from not enough energy in the plant
to open the flower either because the light is too dim, the plant is too small,
the roots have
. Also due to ethylene gas (given off by ripening frui
t), or large temperature changes



Monday, 23 November 2015 13:23

Oncidium Wildcat

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Oncostele Wildcat1






Wednesday, 04 February 2015 23:36

Do You Know How To Avoid These 8 Dangers With Oncidiums?

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Oncidium orchids are one of the most diverse and oldest types of orchids in the world. They were once described as difficult and temperamental. Nowadays, they have been cultivated anywhere where the temperature is moderate and cool. They are actually easy to grow (if you know what to do) and produce flowers that are very colorful and fragrant.

Thursday, 29 January 2015 00:37

Dancing Ladies: Oncidiums and Their Relatives

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Dancing Ladies: Oncidiums and Their Relatives

This group of orchids is referred to as “dancing ladies” because the lips of many of them are flared like a flounced dancing gown, and the tops of the flowers, with a little imagination, look like the arms and head of a person.

Oncidiums are a joyful bunch of orchids that frequently display a flurry of flowers in the sunny yellow to orange and brown color range, although there are some in shades of pink, red, and green. They’ve been popular since they were first introduced into England from South America in the late 1700s.




