Oncidium bracteatum

Also known as: The Bracted Oncidium or Oncidium henrici-gustavi Oncidium paleatum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Costa Rica Panama

General Information

The Bracted Oncidium is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 57cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery leaves that grow to 2-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-12cm

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 high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 5mm to 305mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 85%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 11C to 23C, highest in May (13C to 23C) and lowest in January (11C 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,