Psychopsis papilio var. albiflora

[cneos]

The plant is an unregistered Psychopsis hybrid ...
the pseudobulb and foliage looks very similar to the 'butterfly' orchid - Psychopsis papilio.

'Psychopsis' is the correct genus name for this type of oncidium.

[Grandma M]

Thanks for your replies.

At least I know what it is. I was told it is about 2 years from blooming size so I can enjoy the beautiful foliage until then, after that it may find another home. I don't have room for such a tall plant.

Grandma

[cneos]

The foliage is lovely and usually stays at 6 - 8" ...

the inflorescensce may get to be a couple of feet tall, but you'll be so proud of accomplishment of bringing it into bloom, you'll make a space in a bright window and enjoy it!

[kavanaru]

Hi Rosim_in_BR,

you were surprised how sturdy the is... and yes, they can be amazingly sturdy!! I have seen this plants growing in Venezuela in desciduous forest, where they receive no water for about 6 months and are often exposed to full sun during this time, and every year they go and go delighting the forest with their flowers (normally smaller than the big sisters in captivity though..) I have even seen them in the farm of my parent getting "burned" during a forest fire, and flowering the next year without much problems... I think the only comparable ones (I've ever seen) would be Catasetum, which also goes through very hard times during the dry season...

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Hi Rosim_in_BR,

you were surprised how sturdy the is... and yes, they can be amazingly sturdy!! I have seen this plants growing in Venezuela in desciduous forest, where they receive no water for about 6 months and are often exposed to full sun during this time, and every year they go and go delighting the forest with their flowers (normally smaller than the big sisters in captivity though..) I have even seen them in the farm of my parent getting "burned" during a forest fire, and flowering the next year without much problems... I think the only comparable ones (I've ever seen) would be Catasetum, which also goes through very hard times during the dry season...

Very interesting information, Kavanaru! Thanks!