My grandfather's Oncidium

[Benno]

This Orchid dates back to my late grandfather. I got a bulb off my dad 20 years ago and totally neglected it (just left it tied to a tree, rarely watered, never fertilised. And it survived but didn't grow.) Started looking after it properly a few years ago by potting it in Orchid mix and now it looks like this.

Any ideas what it could be?

[SillyKeiki]

That's one beautiful and strong plant!

[Dollythehun]

No, but I love the small flowers. A great keepsake. Someone will be able to id it.

[Roberta]

You will never know for certain, of course. But based on its history (been around for a long time, survived total neglect, turned into a flowering machine on a large plant with just a little care) I would guess Oncidium sphacelatum . These can get enormous.

[Paphluvr]

Nice tribute to your grandfather.

[Selmo]

Another, tuff as nails, oncidium is Onc. altissimum witch looks similar to Onc. sphacelatum. If it has any slight hint of a fragrance, then it is probably sphacelatum, if no fragrance then it could be altissimum. Thrives on neglect, grows well mounted or in pots, produces masses of roots, will bloom regularly if given some care, both bloom in the spring.

[Benno]

Thanks. I guess it might be sphacelatum although I'll never know for sure. Selmo, I think it has a faint scent although its hard to be sure because we have a huge jasmine in flower at the moment and it dominates everything else in the scent stakes! But I do think there is a scent there.