Need help with ID - Orchid Board

TiberiuSahlean · #1 02-26-2016, 06:08 AM

Hello,
I am new to the board and also to growing orchids. I have bought the plants below at a local shop and I am having trouble ID-ing them. If anyone could help I would be greatful!

Regards,
Tiberiu

PaphMadMan · #2 02-26-2016, 07:27 AM

They are all Oncidium alliance intergeneric hybrids, but precise identification of hybrids is often impossible. The second one is probably Aliceara Eurostar. The last one is probably a Brassidium. If no one else comes up with better suggestions I'll spend some time later today searching.

TiberiuSahlean · #3 02-26-2016, 08:50 AM

Thank you very much for your fast answer and for the ID. If you happen to find anything about the other two it would be fantastic. In fact I am having some trouble with the crimson one. All the others are doing just fine, but the leaves on that one have lost the bright green color and their firmness.

Regards!

silken · #4 02-26-2016, 11:52 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board. They are all hybrids from the Oncidium alliance which usually makes them impossible to give an identity for certain as there are many and some look similar to each other.

How are the roots and how are you growing them. Most Oncidiums prefer not to dry out completely and don't require really high light.

TiberiuSahlean · #5 02-26-2016, 12:34 PM

Hello,
I have attached some pictures so you can judge for yourself.
In the first picture you can see the pots I am using. The roots are whitish from what I can see through the pots.
The second and third pictures are of the orchid that is giving me troubles, and the next ones are of the other healthy orchids.
I am keeping the orchids in a well-lit spot but without direct sunlight, the temperature inside my house is 79 F tops and I have not left the substrate dry out. The substrate is something that is said to be for orchids: from what I can see it is composed of cypress mulch and coconut husk.
Btw, thank you for your help!

Regards!

silken · #6 02-26-2016, 12:43 PM

The pots and media look pretty good. I myself prefer side holes as well as bottom holes for better drainage and air. But so long as you have bottom holes at least. The bit of discolouring on the one plant looks like maybe spider mite problem, Have you checked for that? They are often invisible so try wiping the leaves with a white tissue to see if you get any red dust or any colour. Hold the plant up to the sunlight to see if you see fine webbing in the crotches of leaves. Although not all spider mites make webs. If the plant is free of pests, maybe just reduce the light a bit and give it good care. Some seaweed (kelp) added to the water occasionally might promote more root growth which always helps a plant thrive.

PaphMadMan · #7 02-26-2016, 09:45 PM

After a little more searching, I still think the second one is probably Aliceara Eurostar, but there are some similar hybrids.

The last one is similar to Brassidium Gilded Urchin, but that has quite a few progeny and some cousins that mostly trace back to Brassia arcuigera as an ancestor that all look similar. We can't even be certain these are registered hybrids so "similar to" is all that can really be said.

The third one is less distinctive, but I will keep looking.

The first one is probably an Oncidiopsis (formerly Odontonia) or similar type of hybrid. This means it is probably less heat tolerant than the others, and if it isn't getting cool night temperatures that could account for declining condition. A problem with root health is the other most likely cause.