Among the 400 or so Oncidium species are many extremely varied plants, which range from diminutive equitants - small, fan-like, foliaged plants with brightly coloured flowers - to large-bulbed, long-spiked beauties such as Oncidium macranthum, now also known as Cyrtochilu macranthum.
The flowers may be self-coloured, or heavily spotted and shaded with other colours. All produce highly glossed blooms, mostly during the winter months when they will last for many weeks. The mottled-leaved types produce plants of a smaller stature, and can be extremely free-flowering on a large, multigrowthed plant.
The pouch is designed to trap a pollinating insect by first enticing it to the edge, where it then loses its grip on the slippery surface and tumbles in. Once inside the pouch, a ladder of small hairs enables the insect to force its way out between either side of the pouch and the column. As it does so, the insect takes the pollen with it.
Oncidiums are evergreen plants, typically with neat, green pseudobulbs and a pair of narrowly oval leaves. The flower spikes come from the base of the leading pseudobulb as it matures, and this can be at almost any time of the year, although flowering peaks during the autumn months. The species originate from throughout tropical America and are found in varying epiphytic habitats.
A number of species are know affectionately as "mule ear" types, a reference to their thick, solitary leaves that are supported by an often diminutive pseudobulb. These plants, which include Oncidium luridum, exist in hot, dry environments that are different to the Brazilian home of 0. flexuosum, which resembles the typical Odontoglossum. The latter produces its pseudobulbs well spaced along an upward-growing rhizome. Grown on a piece of cork bark and given its freedom, this species produces a mass of white aerial roots, forming a curtain of a yard or so long. In cultivation, some oncidiums are more favoured than others.
At this stage, tie the cane at the base of the flower to bring it up to eye level, where it can be fully appreciated. Temperature for the orchid is intermediate-growing. Cultivation: Grow in bark-based compoe (growing medium) or Rockwool, in pots that restrict the roots. Place them away from direct sun and keep them evenly moist all year. Feed regularly. Mist only lightly (if at all) to avoid water running into the centre of the growths, where it can lead to rotting.
The flowers may be self-coloured, or heavily spotted and shaded with other colours. All produce highly glossed blooms, mostly during the winter months when they will last for many weeks. The mottled-leaved types produce plants of a smaller stature, and can be extremely free-flowering on a large, multigrowthed plant.
The pouch is designed to trap a pollinating insect by first enticing it to the edge, where it then loses its grip on the slippery surface and tumbles in. Once inside the pouch, a ladder of small hairs enables the insect to force its way out between either side of the pouch and the column. As it does so, the insect takes the pollen with it.
Oncidiums are evergreen plants, typically with neat, green pseudobulbs and a pair of narrowly oval leaves. The flower spikes come from the base of the leading pseudobulb as it matures, and this can be at almost any time of the year, although flowering peaks during the autumn months. The species originate from throughout tropical America and are found in varying epiphytic habitats.
A number of species are know affectionately as "mule ear" types, a reference to their thick, solitary leaves that are supported by an often diminutive pseudobulb. These plants, which include Oncidium luridum, exist in hot, dry environments that are different to the Brazilian home of 0. flexuosum, which resembles the typical Odontoglossum. The latter produces its pseudobulbs well spaced along an upward-growing rhizome. Grown on a piece of cork bark and given its freedom, this species produces a mass of white aerial roots, forming a curtain of a yard or so long. In cultivation, some oncidiums are more favoured than others.
At this stage, tie the cane at the base of the flower to bring it up to eye level, where it can be fully appreciated. Temperature for the orchid is intermediate-growing. Cultivation: Grow in bark-based compoe (growing medium) or Rockwool, in pots that restrict the roots. Place them away from direct sun and keep them evenly moist all year. Feed regularly. Mist only lightly (if at all) to avoid water running into the centre of the growths, where it can lead to rotting.
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