Oncidium

Orchidaceae
Orchids and bromeliads, Flowers

These orchids are native from Florida and Mexico through central and South America. Several hundred species and countless hybrids range from tiny plants just 1 in. high to giants with 6-ft. flower spikes bearing dozens of blooms. Most produce long spikes of yellow or brown-and-yellow flowers; a few come in white or rose. Some (includingthe plants described here) have compressed pseudobulbs with one or two large leaves; others are almost without pseudobulbs; still others have cylindrical, pencil-like leaves. Plants typically produce a few large blossoms or many small ones, but some have numerous large flowers and a few bear their blooms singly. In many, flowers have a large, flaring lip reminiscent of a flamenco dancer’s skirt; these are sometimes called dancing ladies. Blossoms of some are scented. As outdoor plants, oncidiums are usually grown on tree trunks or in pots on the patio; indoor plants can be brought outdoors during warm weather. Take the same houseplant culture as cattleyas.

Oncidium ornithorhynchum

In summer, many branching, 8–12-in.-high spikes carry a cloud of 1/2–1-in. pink or purplish pink, spice-scented flowers with yellow markings.