This Month’s Featured Orchid: Oncidiums
New world orchids native to tropical and sub tropical regions of America from Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean. St. Croix has a native Oncidium that locals refer to as a ‘Dancing Lady’.
These orchids, and their hybrids, generally like bright light to even full sun and the more light the more flowers the orchids will produce. There are several St. Croix native Oncidiums in the Sugar Factory Orchid Garden at the Botancal Garden that are exposed to full sun and they flower multiple times per year.
Oncidiums prefer trumps a bit cooler (75-85) than St. Croix summers but they will adapt to our temps with a bit of additional water during the warmest months.
Oncidiums should be watered thoroughly and fairly frequently. If these orchids are kept too dry, they will develop “accordion” leaves. Keep an eye on the orchid’s pseudobulbs which should be plump rather than shriveled.
Oncidiums are often hybridized with other genera to produce interesting hybrids such as Alicearas and Brassidiums.
Repotting is best done when the plant is starting to produce new pseudobulbs,
Many Oncidiums will flower multiple times per year and will reward the grower with large sprays of long-lasting flowers that are sometimes fragrant.
Stop by EZ Greens Orchids to take home one of these incredible plants and let it be the centerpiece of your collection!
