Oncidium

( on - SID - ee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of epiphytic orchids needs partial shade and regular water for best performance and bloom, and are native from Florida and Mexico down to central and South America. Plants range in size, color, and shape, though most produce flowers in yellow or brown-yellow. Blossoms of some species are fragrant. They are mainly grown on trees or in pots on the patio.

Oncidium Species and Varietals

The genus Oncidium is a member of the plant family Orchidaceae and includes 340 species. This genus grows best in zones 17 and 20-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Oncidium crispum
This species produces a 3-foot branched spike of chestnut brown flowers splashed with yellow. Blooms appear in fall.

Oncidium ornithorhynchum
In summer, this species produces pink to purple-pink fragrant flowers that are marked with yellow. Flower spike reaches 8-12 inches tall.

Oncidium Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance'
This species of Orchid is very fragrant and produces 2-3 foot tall spikes of red to purple-brown flowers in summer and fall. The scent is said to smell of chocolate or vanilla.

Caring for oncidium

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Oncidium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 461, Oncidium
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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