Oncidium planilabre

Also known as: The Flat or Oncidium subobscurum Oncidium bidentatum Oncidium pardothyrsus Oncidium aloisii Oncidium calobulbon Oncidium hirundo in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil Nicaragua Panama Provincia del Guayas - Ecuador Tumbes - Peru

General Information

The Flat is a sympodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil, Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 25cm. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 3-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 3-5cm

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 low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 180mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 70% to 81%, highest in August and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in June (19C to 29C) and lowest in February (16C to 26C).

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,