About
Evergreen epiphytic orchid to 60cm tall with broad ovoid pseudobulbs bearing mid-green, sword-shaped leaves and from late autumn to early summer produces racemes of up to 15 dark red flowers with red-centred, white-margined lips, the red markings vary with temperatures during flower formation.
About the genus
A hybrid genus of orchids used for greges (plural of grex) which contain at least one ancestor species from the genera Oncidium and Rhynchostele
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in bark-based epiphytic orchid compost in small pots. Provide bright filtered light, good ventilation and in spring and summer water freely as compost dries out, use half strength orchid fertiliser at every third watering and mist regularly for high humidity. Reduce watering in winter and provide good light levels
PruningNo pruning required, remove spent flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by division when plants are large enough to be divided into clumps of 2 - 3 pseudobulbs and overflowing the pot
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free