Trichocentrum carthagenense (One of the Mule Ear Oncidiums)

[Bud]

Oncidium Carthagenense in my tag but I think this is now in the genus Tricocentrum, now called Trichocentrum carthagenense ( Jacq.) M.W. Chase & N.H. Williams 2001; this plant is endemic to Mexico and the Caribbean to northern Brazil. Because of the leaf's shape and because often two leaves arise together, some of its names translate to "Mule Ear."
I grow this hot to warm with bright shaded light on the south facing windowsill and always under a saucer of water=when the water dries out its time for it to be under the sink for five minutes of flowing water….weekly weakly alternating with Algoflash fertilizer and seaweed mix….I will give this a dry rest after all the blooms are gone….
I stand 6’4” and the spike is a couple of inches taller than me. With branching flowers that is slightly fragrant smelling like plums….this pictures was taken a month ago and I still have some blooms on the upper spike; flowers on the lower spike have started to dry and wither….I was hoping to catch a chance to reshoot but instinct tells me (the height of the spike and the cold freeze outside) not to bring this outside….so far these are my only good photos of this plant; I will try a better one next time

[tucker85]

Incredible flower spike! I'm a big fan of Trichocentrum. I only have two but I'm always looking for more. Very few vendors offer them. This is a really nice one. I love those huge leaves. Good growing.

[WhiteRabbit]

Yowza! That's some spike! Beautiful blooms!

[BettyE]

That is a beautiful mule ear, Bud. I have one mule ear, whose leaves are shaped more like a "pony ear." It has not bloomed for me yet, but this year, I may just try putting it inside a sunny window. Thanks for the tip...I'll take a picture and post it on OB if it blooms. And the credit will be ALL yours! BettyE

[Bud]

Thank You, Jim !

Thank You, Sonya !

[Bud]

Thank You, Betty !

I am glad to be of help....but just remember that we have totally different environment and grow zone= so the credit goes only to you if you made your 'Mule Ear' bloom....I merely gave you some tips that I also got from other members....

[Bud]

This time this orchid plant gave me a really tall spike ( seven feet and two inches) Some of the bottom flowers are starting to fade but a couple of feet on the tip are still unopened buds.
The flowers have sharp vivid colors and the fragrance is more prominent.
There are two new growths that hopefully might also spike next year.
This sulked on me for two years for whatever reasons....but I am glad it has come back to its senses....

[DeaC]

Bud and the Beanstalk! I recently donated Ollie Palmer to the raffle table. Now I'm wondering if it would have become this size too! Really like the color of yours.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by DeaC

Bud and the Beanstalk! I recently donated Ollie Palmer to the raffle table. Now I'm wondering if it would have become this size too! Really like the color of yours.

Thank You for the visit and the 'beanstalk' (I was tall and lanky growing up)....You should have taken pictures before you donated it....As soon as I got three feet of spike I knew it was going to be really tall so I put it indoors on the bay window= I was worried it might reach my 15 ft ceiling.

[wintergirl]

The color is beautiful.