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Kandyan Dancer Orchid (Oncidium sphacelatum)

Oncidium sphacelatum is a tropical herbaceous orchid that usually grows as an epiphyte on trees and occasionally on rocks. It is reported to be a perennial herbaceous plant.

LightIt grows in bright indirect light or moderate shade, and insufficient light can result in poor flowering. Its light level is medium light.

WaterDuring active growth, water thoroughly and allow the growing medium to dry before watering again; during the winter non-growing period, reduce watering and keep conditions drier. It is generally recommended to keep sligh

HumidityA single source reports humidity at about 60–100 %.

TemperatureOncidium sphacelatum belongs to the intermediate to warm temperature group.

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Overview

Oncidium sphacelatum is a tropical herbaceous orchid that usually grows as an epiphyte on trees and occasionally on rocks. It is reported to be a perennial herbaceous plant.

Origin and habitat

It is native from southern Mexico through Central America and into southeastern Venezuela in northern South America; sources differ on whether Panama is part of its native range. It grows mainly as an epiphyte on trees and occasionally on rocks in lowland habitats, but sources differ on the upper elevation limit. Its habitat has a warm, humid tropical lowland climate.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, reporting a range of about 150–183 cm. Narrow, elongated, strap-like to oblong tongue-shaped, leathery, medium-green leaves emerge from the tops of large pseudobulbs. The flowers are small and numerous, mainly bright yellow with brown to purple markings, borne on large branching panicles, and are slightly fragrant. In its native habitat, it is reported to flower early in the year.

Light

It grows in bright indirect light or moderate shade, and insufficient light can result in poor flowering. Its light level is medium light.

Watering

During active growth, water thoroughly and allow the growing medium to dry before watering again; during the winter non-growing period, reduce watering and keep conditions drier. It is generally recommended to keep slightly dry.

Humidity and airflow

A single source reports humidity at about 60–100 %.

Temperature and dormancy

Oncidium sphacelatum belongs to the intermediate to warm temperature group.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a coarse- to medium-grade, bark-based orchid medium with good aeration and drainage; it can also be grown mounted on wood. It is epiphytic. Bark is reported to be its preferred medium.

Feeding

During the growing season, it is reported to be fed with orchid fertilizer diluted in water according to the product label.

Propagation

It is reported to be propagated by division in spring.

Common problems

It is reported to be susceptible to mealybugs among scale insects, as well as spider mites or false spider mites. A source reports relatively few disease problems overall and does not identify a specific major disease. Insufficient light is reported to cause poor flowering, while the plant can become very large and may be unsuitable for a typical windowsill. As a tropical orchid, it is reported to be suitable for moving outdoors in summer, but the source provides no minimum or maximum temperature tolerance.

Identification

Oncidium sphacelatum has large pseudobulbs, narrow elongated leaves, and very long branching panicles that may arch, extend sideways, or hang down, bearing numerous small yellow flowers densely marked with brown to purple.

Photos

Sources

Wikipedia (en): Oncidium sphacelatum — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
Wikipedia (fr): Oncidium sphacelatum — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
Wikipedia (es): Oncidium sphacelatum — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link
NC State Plant Toolbox: Oncidium sphacelatum — copyright (facts only) · link
Wikipedia (pt): Oncidium sphacelatum — CC BY-SA 4.0 · link