Oncidium hastilabium

Also known as: The Lance in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

The Lance is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 26cm. Each new growth has numerous erect arching leaves that grow to 4-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 4-6cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous long lasting blossoms appear

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 0mm to 150mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 74% to 77%, highest in May and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 14C to 26C, highest in July (16C to 26C) and lowest in January (14C 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,