Oncidium aurarium

Also known as: The Golden Oncidium or Odontoglossum mapiriense Oncidium trilobum Odontoglossum trilobum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Ucayali - Peru

General Information

The Golden Oncidium is a large sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 60cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 2.5-50cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-15cm

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 41mm to 244mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 78% to 89%, highest in August and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 12C to 27C, highest in March (14C to 27C) and lowest in January (12C to 23C).

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,