Vivi's Orchid Corner

June 2005 - Volume 10, Issue 6

'I love Chocolate'
Oncidium Sharry Baby

Dear Orchid Friends:

Oncidium Sharry Baby is a fun Oncidium. Its distinctive, aromatic fragrance DOES smell like chocolate. You can identify this orchid even with your eyes closed.

Oncidium Sharry Baby is an extremely popular variety. It produces tall, branching inflorescences. This orchid grows easily into a specimen, producing many flower stems if given the correct growing conditions.

Flowers are of usual oncidium shape: elliptical petal and sepals forming a star shape. Petals and sepals are a deep cinnamon color with yellow tips. The lip or "skirt" is white and flared and dominate the flower. The upper dorsal section of the lip is the same cinnamon color as the petals. The flower has a crest (callus) at the base of the lip and protrudes outward. At a quick glance, this protuberance may resemble a person's face. Oncidiums are known as "Dancing Ladies", and aptly named. Flowers resemble a lady in a flared skirt with outstretched arms. Stake the flower stems well to protect the flowers and promote upright growth of the inflorescences.

Oncidium Sharry Baby is a robust orchid. Its parentage is: Oncidium Jamie Sutton x Oncidium Honolulu. Oncidiums and Oncidium Sharry Baby grow well in intermediate environments. In warmer climates, these orchids can be grown outdoors year round and like warm greenhouses also.

Leaves are large, thin and elongated with pleats. The plant has pseudobulbs but do not retain much moisture in the pseudobulbs. The thin leaves are susceptible to drying out, so keep them adequately hydrated. The tips are also prone to drying. In South Florida, sunburn and dehydration are problematic, so carefully monitor the amount of direct sunlight. It is common for Oncidium Sharry Baby to have spotted leaf tips. Plant size is medium to large and likes to be in a slightly smaller pot for its size.

General Care Directions:

• Give moderate to high indirect light
• Provide warm temperatures with plenty of watering
• Don't let this orchid become too dry between watering

The aroma of this orchid is delicious. Chocolate comes in a few forms; the edible kind (yummy) and the kind to delight other senses (nose and eyes). Both are favorites of mine….

Until next time,

Vivi