Oncidium dayanum

Native to: Ecuador Piura - Peru

General Information

Oncidium dayanum is a small sympodial cold to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador and Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3.5-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.7-5cm

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 7C to 22C, highest in February (8C to 22C) and lowest in January (7C to 19C).

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,