Oncidium spp.
dancing lady orchids
Overview
Oncidium spp. is a large genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical Americas from Florida and Mexico through the Caribbean to South America. Most species are epiphytes that grow on tree branches, anchoring with thick roots and storing water in clustered pseudobulbs, each topped by one to a few strap-shaped leaves. Branching flower stems rise from the base of the pseudobulbs and carry many small flowers, often dozens on a single arching spray. The blooms are commonly yellow patterned with chestnut brown, with an enlarged, flaring lip that suggests a full skirt, the source of the common name dancing lady orchids; hybrids extend the range to red, pink, and white. Plants flower mainly in autumn and winter and grow in warm, humid, brightly lit conditions with free air movement. The genus has been heavily reclassified, and many plants once placed here now belong to related groups, so naming in cultivation can be inconsistent.
Native Range
The tropical and subtropical Americas, from Florida and Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to South America, where most grow as epiphytes in warm, humid forest.Suggested Uses
Oncidium spp. is grown as an ornamental orchid in greenhouses, on bright windowsills, and outdoors in frost-free climates, where many species can be mounted on trees. The branched, many-flowered sprays are used as long-lasting cut flowers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 2'
Bloom Information
Most Oncidium spp. flower in autumn and winter, though bloom time varies by species and hybrid. A mature pseudobulb sends up a branched spray that can hold dozens of small flowers and last several weeks. Flowering follows a season of active growth and is helped by a slight drop in night temperature.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellow marked with brown; hybrids in red, pink, whiteFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Oncidium spp. grows as an epiphyte in bright, indirect light and warm, humid air with steady ventilation. Plants are grown in pots of bark or mounted on slabs, watered as the roots approach dryness and given dilute fertilizer during active growth. The thin roots and pseudobulbs are damaged by stagnant moisture, so free drainage matters. Most species need minimum temperatures above about 55 F (13 C) and are not frost tolerant. Wrinkled pseudobulbs signal underwatering or root loss, while soft, yellowing growth points to waterlogging.Pruning
Spent flower spikes are cut back to the base once the last flowers fade. Dead roots and shriveled old pseudobulbs are trimmed away at repotting, which is done every couple of years as the bark mix breaks down.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons