Oncidium cariniferum

Also known as: The Keeled Oncidium or Miltonioides carinifera Odontoglossum hastilabium var. fuscatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Departamento del Huila - Colombia Panama

General Information

The Keeled Oncidium is a medium sized sympodial cool to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica, Colombia and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 32-42cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery leaves that grow to 5-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-12cm

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 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in March (12C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).

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,