Oncidium karwinskii

Also known as: Karwinski's Oncidium or Odontoglossum laeve var. karwinskii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Durango - Mexico Nayarit - Mexico Oaxaca - Mexico

General Information

Karwinski's Oncidium is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico. It is named after the Hungarian Orchid Collector in Mexico in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous elliptic lance shaped leaves that grow to 3.5-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-10cm

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 3mm to 150mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Temperature ranges from 6C to 31C, highest in May (16C to 31C) and lowest in January (6C to 24C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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,

This plant does well mounted.