Oncidium oliganthum
Also known as: The Sparse or Oncidium guatemalense Odontoglossum purpusii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae
Native to: Chiapas - Mexico Departamento de Jinotega - Nicaragua El Salvador Guatemala Oaxaca - Mexico
General Information
The Sparse is a small to medium sized sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
Plant Description
Sympodial. Grows to 13-42cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery erect, arching, lance shaped leaves that grow to 1-35cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-7cm
Flowers
Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn
Fragrance
The orchid is fragrant.
Blooming Season
- Autumn
- 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 112mm to 335mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 80% to 87%, highest in July and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 9C to 24C, highest in April (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).
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,
This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.