Oncidium phymatochilum - Orchid Board

JungleJo · #1 12-26-2021, 06:08 PM

Oncidium phymatochilum or Phymatochilum brasiliense. Looks like an Oncidium, but it is closer related to a Miltonia according to what I've read.

The spike showed itself in early September, meaning that it took almost four months to build its branches and flowers. It measures almost one meter to its tip and there are about 80 fragrant flowers. It's a powerful, but still very pleasant smell in the morning.

This is the second time it flowers for me and the flowers are much bigger and they smell so much more this time. The quantity of flowers is also larger. I don't remember that the spikes were branching the first time it flowered either. Can't understand why I almost tossed it in the bin last year when it skipped flowering!

A very easy orchid to grow. With one word: pleasant

Roberta · #2 12-26-2021, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleJo

can't understand why I almost tossed it in the bin last year when it skipped flowering!

Horrors! You must have scared it into blooming! (Tempted to dump after missing just one year? Frightening.)

Maryanne · #3 01-03-2022, 02:06 PM

Hello Jungle Jo:
That is beautiful! Congratulations... I also have one in the not yet large enough to bloom stage - several years old. It was a "freebie' in an order for other orchids- a total surprise. Mine is doing well, grown cool, and in a clay pot so far. I notice yours is in a basket. . Any advice or comments on keeping this species happy is welcome : -)
Obrigada! (Thanks!)
Maryanne in gray, chilly Massachusetts

JungleJo · #4 01-04-2022, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maryanne

Hello Jungle Jo:
That is beautiful! Congratulations... I also have one in the not yet large enough to bloom stage - several years old. It was a "freebie' in an order for other orchids- a total surprise. Mine is doing well, grown cool, and in a clay pot so far. I notice yours is in a basket. . Any advice or comments on keeping this species happy is welcome : -)
Obrigada! (Thanks!)
Maryanne in gray, chilly Massachusetts

I think a basket improves growing conditions of almost any plant. I don't treat it any special way, I would say typical Oncidium care. I think this is more cold and shade tolerant than many others. I've tried having it more exposed to light and got the leaves so purple that some gave up so I moved it to a more protected place. They're back to green again since.

Roberta · #5 01-04-2022, 11:12 AM

It is definitely cold tolerant... I have one growing in a rather shady area in my back yard. It's in a pot. Reliable bloomer. Occasional winter nights to 35 deg F/2 deg C don't seem to bother it.