Oncidium sclerophyllum

Native to: Provincia de Alajuela - Costa Rica

General Information

Oncidium sclerophyllum is a cold to cool growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Costa Rica.

Plant Description

Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has a single thick lance shaped leaf that grows to 3.5-30cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-5cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

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 5mm to 305mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 68% to 85%, highest in October and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 12C to 24C, highest in May (14C to 24C) and lowest in January (12C to 21C).

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,