Oncidium aloisii

Native to: Ecuador

General Information

Oncidium aloisii is a sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect leaves that grow to 3.3-40cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-10cm

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 56mm to 196mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in May. Temperature ranges from 18C to 30C, highest in April (20C to 30C) and lowest in January (18C to 28C).

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,