Oncidiums

Oncidiums
For sheer number of brilliant yellow blooms, few orchids groups rival the dancing sprays of the delightful plants of the genus Oncidium.

Just about any branched shower of little yellow flowers in an elegant florist’s bouquet is bound to belong to this relatively easy-to-grow group.

Oncidium is closely related to quite a number of other orchid genera including Odontoglossum, Miltonia, Brassia, Comparettia, and Cochlioda.

Thousands of intergeneric hybrids have been made between them to create a large group of more than 50 mew genera called the Oncidium Alliance.

In general however, straight oncidiums are among the easiest of all to grow, with the most temperature tolerance, particularly for heat.

All oncidiums like lots of light (2,500+ foot-candles) for best blooms and a bright southern windowsill often works well. Most prefer intermediate temperature (55 degree F minimum winter nights).

Oncidiums grow best in clay pot filled with a coarse well drained mix, or mounted on clay slabs. Good air movement – fresh breezes and fans – along with humidity above 50 percent keeps oncidiums happy.

They prefer lost of water and regular quarter strength 20-20-20 fertilizer, but they need a decided drying out between watering.
Oncidiums