Oncidium abruptum

Also known as: The Sharp Oncidium or Oncidium swartzii Oncidium jacquinianum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Departamento del Valle del Cauca - Colombia

General Information

The Sharp Oncidium is an intermediate to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-12cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 64mm to 224mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in January. Temperature ranges from 16C to 23C, highest in May (18C to 23C) and lowest in April (16C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,