Oncidiums

[Anton]

I saw a "must have" orchid today with magnificent contrasting deep brown and deep yellow coloring and found out it is an Oncidium.

What is needed in the way of caring for one of these plants, as this is the first time I have come across one that I know of, being a newbie to in depth knowledge of orchids. Also any other tips, as I want to be prepared prior to getting one.

Cymbidiums.......OK, the rest ........... STEEP LEARNING CURVE. :rolleyes

[mayres]

Will see if others agree, but I have found these to be some of the easiest orchids to grow. Depending upon the species they can vary somewhat, but light should be bright to nearly full - most will take several hours of sun a day. Indoors light from all sides except north can work - haven't really thought about it much but from down under I suppose that means all directions but south? :-) As in other types watering can vary with media and temps - say, 2-10 days - let the media dry at least half-way through. Most are considered intermediate to warm growers. I have mine planted in fine bark and they seem to thrive in it - grow like weeds. Good luck and ENJOY! mike

[arleneg]

I agree with Mike. Oncidiums are fairly easy to care for. With the two I have, they get bright light (southwest windows), watered every 2-12 days (of course, depending on weather), humidity of 40-60%, and fertilized weakly weekly (spring to fall; once a month in winter months). Mine are planted in fine bark and perlite.

As Mike said, they're grow like weeds. Last month, I repotted them in bigger pots since I'm afraid to divide which I have no experience, yet.

By the way, what type of oncidium did you get?

[Anton]

So it seems that if I treat it the same as the Phal I am 3/4 of the way there ?

Haven't bought it yet, and the florist who sells them, plus the Phal I bought doesn't have names for them.

Yesterday when I saw this plant, I told him that he SHOULD get the names from the growers as this is important to people who are collecting plants for their collections.

With a bit of luck I should get an Email from him today with the names of the oncidium AND my Phal.(pictured)

[ScottMcC]

much more light than a phal, and a bit dryer. phals are low light, most oncidium plants are medium light (1500-2500 foot-candles, similar to cattleyas).

[atcrosby]

I have two oncidiums and they tend to show you when their happy. They'll grow like crazy during the growing season with new leaves and such. You'll need to get the lot's of light unlike a Phal which needs half the light the Oncidium will need.

One thing to watch out for, leaves will accordion if it's not getting enough water but paradoxically, don't overwater either. The oncidium has pseudobulbs and they will wrinkle over time. I freaked initially when they started to do that but found out that is normal. The older pseudobulbs are like us, we all get wrinkles.

Also, Oncidiums like to be crowded in the pot. Also, I use superthrive along with the fertilizer and water so it's helped the roots out tremdously.

[jerrymeola]

You should go into the orchid gallery and click on search and type onc in the id box. You will get a lot to see

Here is one that is close to the description you gave.

I would strongly recommend buying from an orchid nursery rather than a florist. The quality will be better and the price will be much less.

[flaorchidfan]

i have several oncidiums in my little collection. they are easy to take care of. and as stated earlier, they let you know when they are not happy. dividing is easy though. i have divided most of mine at least once and they love it. they grow like crazy.

[Anton]

Jerry, I took a photo at lunch time of the Oncidium in question.

The florist shop specializes in orchids and gets them from reputable growers, plus they also grow their own orchids, so they have a vested interest in providing good plants at a reasonable cost.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Great outdoor growers in your climate. Cynthia

[philliptan]

Anton, it looks like your orchid is not an Oncidium but a complex Oncidium hybrid... a Colmanara... more specifically...
Colmanara Wildcat "Yellow Cat"

Colmanara = Miltonia x Odontoglossum x Oncidium

[Anton]

Oh.

I'll take your word for it.

For my education..... what brings you to that conclusion, ....... not an argument, just a curious newby.

[Anton]

Oh, Phillip, I forgot, is it worth having in the collection ?

[philliptan]

Nah, I'm not an expert... I just like to Google.

http://www.ottawaorchidsociety.com/p...mber9_2003.htm

Middle of the page... Still we cannot confirm the ID without tags.