Oncidium powellii

Native to: Panama

General Information

Oncidium powellii is a sympodial hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 58cm. Each new growth has a single leathery erect, arching, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-45cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-13cm

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 36mm to 620mm per day, heaviest in November and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 77% to 89%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 21C to 28C, highest in May (23C to 28C) and lowest in October (21C to 27C).

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,