Otoglossum globuliferum

Also known as: Oncidium wercklei Oncidium globuliferum var. costaricense Otoglossum luerorum Brevilongium globuliferum var. costaricense Brevilongium luerorum Oncidium luerorum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento del Huila - Colombia Ecuador Panama

General Information

Otoglossum globuliferum is a small cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.

Plant Description

Grows to 5-7.5cm. Each new growth has a single leaf that grows to 2.5-5cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 2.5cm

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

The orchids are well adapted for hot weather, accompanied by sporadic, unpredictable rainfall and a generally dry climate. They can tolerate a lot of neglect as they are quite used to it, however they can be prone to underwatering and may collapse in cold, wet weather.

For this reason it's best to dedicate a sheltered, protected area for them where the watering can be controlled, such as a corner of a greenhouse or in a sheltered balcony. They can also do well hung near the roof of a shadehouse or sheltered greenhouse where they receive the extra heat but not as much water as other plants. 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 10mm to 480mm per day, heaviest in October and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 67% to 90%, highest in October and lowest in February. Temperature ranges from 11C to 26C, highest in March (13C to 26C) and lowest in January (11C to 21C).

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,