Ornithocephalus gladiatus - Orchid Board

gnathaniel · #1 06-02-2011, 07:00 PM

17 spikes, the longest is about 5" but still elongating as buds develop. At times it has a slight odor like cucumber. This is fast becoming a favorite genus of mine, does anyone have divisions of other species (incl. related genera) to sell or trade?

--Nat

Ornithocephalus gladiatus-img_9968_small-jpg

Ornithocephalus gladiatus-img_9965_small-jpg

Ornithocephalus gladiatus-img_9955_small-jpg

Zoi2 · #2 06-02-2011, 09:25 PM

That is a cool plant, I don't think I've seen one before.
Joann

zxyqu · #3 06-02-2011, 10:13 PM

That's pretty wicked. Love how they fan out in that picture. How old is that little (sic) guy? I've gotta check this one out. Thanks for sharing

gnathaniel · #4 06-02-2011, 11:56 PM

Thanks, Joann and zxyqu! Not really sure how old this one is, I got it in spring of 2009 and it's increased in size by maybe 25% since then. If I had to guess based on the growth rates I've seen, I'd say it's probably 5-8 years past being a single-growth plant.

This is really a vigorous and easy plant in my conditions (intermediate temps, medium light, 3-5 waterings/week year-round). I just got a division of Ocps. bicornis, it'll be interesting to see how it grows compared to gladiatus.

You all should check out Ron's article on the Ornithocephalinae, it gives a nice overview of this fascinating group: A Whole Sub-Tribe of Exquisite Miniatures - Orchid Board

--Nat

ezil · #5 06-03-2011, 01:10 AM

I love these little ones. Yours is very beautiful. I have a few different ones and wouldn't mind getting more. Thanks for the reference to Ron's article. It's hard to find info on these.

Stitzelweller · #6 06-03-2011, 07:09 AM

Thanks for the reference to Ron's articel, Nat.

Did you acquire your plant from a commercial source or from an individual? If commercial, will you please provide a name?

RosieC · #7 06-03-2011, 12:16 PM

So wonderful. Really like that!

gnathaniel · #8 06-03-2011, 05:10 PM

Thanks for the comments, ezil and Rosie!

Stitz, I got this from Dowery Orchids but Dwayne seems to have ceased operations as an orchid dealer. Andy's and some of the South American nurseries carry Ornithocephalus species, though. I ordered one through Gary Meyer's Colombian Orchid Imports business this spring.

--Nat

ronaldhanko · #9 06-03-2011, 05:54 PM

Great growing and great photography, Nat.

gnathaniel · #10 06-03-2011, 11:12 PM

Thanks Ron!

--Nat