First Oncidium?

[svlair]

I have a new grow rack with four 4' T5 HO bulbs and would like to try my hand with Oncidiums. I would like to grow them semi-hydroponically like my other orchids if possible.
Summer outdoors is not possible with temperatures of 90+ degrees and humidity of 10% or less in the Southwest. My grow area in summer averages high 70s to low 80s during the day and humidity between 45 and 50%. Any suggestions for a relatively compact intermediate to warm growing Oncidium would be appreciated. Thanks.

[RosieC]

Sorry, oncidiums are still something I struggle with so cant really advise. Just giving you a bump in the hope someone else will spot this who can help.

[cbuchman]

Yo could try an Oncidium Twinkle. They come in pink/purple, white and yellow 9as far as I know) and I have found them to be most forgiving. They are compact and floriferous and fragrant to boot.

[NYCorchidman]

Oncidiums are very diverse group yet many take basically the same care.
Fairly high light and lots of water while growing.
I see that you are in Arizona, but since you are growing s/h, the low humidity should not matter much and the roots will love the continuous supply of water.

So many beautiful ones to choose from, but since many get quite tall and large, I would also recommend something small like Twinkle (there are different colors mainly white, yellow and red), and typical yellow dancing lady, which grows well and flower every 5-6 months, but the spike may get rather too tall for under light set up.
If you can find it, I have Odontocidium Sunlight "NN" that is about the same size as Twinkle, but scent is very nice and strong, flowers last longer than any oncidiums I've tried. 4 months now...

You might also want to try tolumnias, which ae very small. but again, the spikes get a bit tall.

[svlair]

Thanks for the input everyone. Twinke is a possibility. Also, Clown Alley Orchids has an Oncidium cheirophorum that is a miniature and may be my first attempt with an Oncidium n S/H. Still researching it but it should be compact enough to grow under the lights.

[nutgirl]

I have O. cheirophorum. I love it. It stays compact.

I started it with s/h which worked OK but I have since mounted it on cork with sphag which, for me, is working better.

It appears to be fairly tolerant based on what I've subjected it to.


Maureen

[NYCorchidman]

It is one of the parents of Twinkle.
cute little lemon color flowers.

Twinkle probably smells much better though.

[Uletbulu]

how about oncidium golden shower ?