Oncidium lucasianum

Also known as: Lucas' Oncidium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Cajamarca - Peru

General Information

Lucas' Oncidium is a cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Peru.

Plant Description

Grows to 12.5-29cm. Each new growth has numerous thick elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.4-19cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1-3cm

Climate

These orchids thrive in cool, conditions with good airflow. When cultivated they will thrive in a cool, sheltered environment such as a shaded greenhouse, or if grown in cooler climates they can be grown in the garden in areas where they are protected from frost and receive shade throughout the year, though they may be able to tolerate some morning sun during winter.

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 0mm to 147mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 69%, highest in September and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 2C to 20C, highest in February (6C to 20C) and lowest in January (2C to 18C).

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.

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.