Oncidium laeve

Also known as: The Smooth Flowered Oncidium or Miltonioides laevis Miltonia laevis in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Guatemala

General Information

The Smooth Flowered Oncidium is a medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico and Guatemala.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, arching, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-12cm

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Summer

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. 

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 279mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 72% to 84%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 26C, highest in April (15C to 26C) and lowest in January (11C to 21C).

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.