Oncidium maizaefolium

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia

General Information

Oncidium maizaefolium is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 1.4-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-5cm

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 46mm to 274mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 77% to 84%, highest in November and lowest in August. Temperature ranges from 7C to 21C, highest in August (9C to 21C) and lowest in January (7C to 17C).

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,