Spider Orchids

[atcrosby]

I just purchased this orchid and am curious if there is anything special needing to be done for it?

The environment is in a home on a humidity tray. It sits on a humidity tray and the hydrometer says the range is 50-60% normally. The plant sits on a table away from the a window with S/W sun in the late afternoon. The other orchids there (Phals) don't seem to have issues with the light there.

What are the watering requirements? How do you tell if you're overwatering?

I am adding a picture to show off the beautiful thing.

Thanks for your help

[jerrymeola]

I absolutely love spider orchids. Grow them like any oncidium alliance plant. A little on the moist side drying between waterings. Light level about 2-2500 foot candles (a little less than cattleyas about 1/4 summer noon sun levels)

You can water them similar to your Phal but they may like more light in the spring to set flowers. You should be seeing new growth during the summer and if you do not then increase the light slowly. It should grow OK during the summer indoors.

They bloom only once a year and most are the yellow or greenish yellow like yours. Blooming season has just finished.

Here are a couple of hybrids which are the only ones I have seen with different colors

[atcrosby]

Thanks for the beautiful pictures. These have just started to bloom so I am lucky in that aspect. One question to you is that someone said they only bloom in new growth? Is that the case ?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Yes, the Oncidium alliance plants put out their spikes from within the leaves clasping the new bulb when the growth is about 2/3 to3/4 grown. Your plant looks like it might be pure Brassia. Brassias are reported to need more light than Oncidiums. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ

[atcrosby]

My orchids are all on a Southwest Window which takes advantage of the later afternoon light. (From about 4-7pm). The windows are tinted and the orchids sit about 3 feet from the window.

My light meter indicates the light to be 2-3000 ft candles during this time with the balance of the day more in the 1500 ft candle range. The plants seem to be doing well based upon the phal I just repotted. (The roots were about a foot long in a four inch pot.)

How long do they need their light for them to spur them to flower in the spring? I think my phals will be good but the Oncidiums and Brassia now have me worred they're going to be a one time deal ? I guess that's the intrigue and mystery of these wonderful plants isn't it ?

Thanks again to Jerry and Cynthia for all their sage advice !