Oncidium toachicum

Also known as: The Toachi Oncidium or Oncidium toachichum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Ecuador

General Information

The Toachi Oncidium is a small sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Ecuador. It is named after a river In Ecuador.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 35cm. Each new growth has a single oblong shaped leaf that grows to 2.5-25cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2-10cm

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear

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 18mm to 173mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 81%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 18C to 33C, highest in February (19C to 33C) and lowest in January (18C to 31C).

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,

Repotting is best done annually.