Oncidium bennettii

Also known as: Bennett's Oncidium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Peru

General Information

Bennett's Oncidium is a sympodial cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru. It is named after the American Botanist in Ecuador in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35-40cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.3-33cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-5cm

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 163mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 57% to 78%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from 1C to 24C, highest in May (9C to 24C) and lowest in January (1C 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.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.