Oncidium volvox

General Information

Oncidium volvox is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 43cm. Each new growth has numerous arching lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-36cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5-7cm

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 10mm to 109mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 73% to 83%, highest in November and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 13C to 27C, highest in April (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (13C to 23C).

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,