About
Compact growing, medium-sized (30 - 45cm) epiphytic orchid, with upright, 20-30cm long, evergreen leaves. A very popular and reliable intergeneric orchid hybrid. Lip is usually white, with frilled edge and darker markings or spots in the centre. Star-shaped, pale pink or cream flowers are marked with deep red irregular spots. Up to 12 flowers approximately 8 cm across are carried on a long, arching stem. New flowering stems arise from the axils of young, mature pseudobulbs and the leafed sheaths. Linear, fleshy, mid-green, evergreen leaves are borne in pair at the tip of pseudobulbs. Oval-shaped, slightly flattened pseudobulbs are partially covered by a pair of green, leafed sheaths. New growth appears from the base of swolled stem - pseudobulb.
About the genus
A nothogenus of hybrid orchids which are a cross between Brassia, Miltonia and Oncidium orchids. They have strap-shaped green foliage and purple, pink, white or yellow blotched flowers on long stems
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around 12°C minimum at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. For more notes, see oncidium orchid (cool) cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.
PropagationMature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free.