Oncidium Orchids

Oncidium species are characterised by the following properties : * presence of column wings * presence of a complicated callus on the lip (this can be used to separate the taxa). * pseudobulbs with one to three leaves. * several basal bracts at the base of the pseudobulbs.

The flowers of the Oncidium genus come in shades of yellow, red, white and pink. The petals are often ruffled on the edges, as is the lip. The lip is enormous, partially blocking the small petals and sepals. Some Oncidium orchids are very long : Oncidium altissimum and Oncidium baueri can grow to a height of 5 m, while Oncidium sarcodes can reach 3 m.

The genus Oncidium includes plants producing brightly coloured attractive flowers from plants which generally are highly adaptable to culture under a wide range of conditions. Oncidiums were one of the very first of the tropical epiphytic orchids introduced into European cultivation. They remain a popular and keenly sought after genus of orchids. They are desirable and suitable for not only those who are just starting to diversify their collection of orchids from the cymbidiums which most people commence their orchid growing career with in New Zealand, but also for those who already have a more diversified collection.

Oncidium is a wonderful genus for orchidists since it contains sufficient numbers and in such a diversity of plant habit and floral features that a grower can spend a lifetime collecting all the variants and learning how to grow them. Numbering more than 750 species, oncidium orchids are distributed in South Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, Central and South America. Ranging from the lowlands to high elevations in the mountains, most species grow as ephiphytes on trees and rocks with a few being terrestrials.

Light needs of oncidiums can vary from bright to nearly full direct sun depending on the species. Most oncidium orchids will thrive with one to several hours of sun a day. Generally, thicker-leaved plants, such as "mule-ear" and "equitant" oncidiums, can stand more light.In a greenhouse, 20 to 60 percent shade is required, Water requirements of oncidiums vary with the type of plant. Generally, plants with large fleshy roots or leaves need less-frequent watering than thin-leaved or thin-rooted plants. Watering should be thorough, and the medium should dry at least halfway through the pot before watering again. This may be every two to 10 days depending on weather, pot size and material, type of orchid and type of potting medium. Plants not actively growing should be watered less.

Fertilize oncidiums regularly while plants are actively growing. If skies are cloudy, applications once a month are sufficient. Potting should be done when new growth is about one-half mature, which is usually in the spring. Oncidium orchids growing on bark will require rebarking at regular intervals, a plant can remain on a piece of bark or branch of a tree for several years, depending on the length of material. One advantage of bark culture is that there is hardly any disturbance to the plant and its entire root system can be left intact; there is no need of root trimming. Even roots slightly damaged during the rebarking operation can be left on the plant. Exposed to the air they will simply heal themselves and continue to grow.

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