Vivi's Orchid Corner

May 2004 - Volume 9, Issue 4

Equitant Oncidiums

Dear Orchid Friends:

Delicate, miniature dancing ladies: flowers of oncidiums, leaves are teretes. This is an interesting combination for extremely compact orchids. Until this year, Equitant Oncidiums were problematic for me.

Equitant oncidiums, like other oncidiums, have the swirling skirt of "dancing ladies." Equitant oncidiums are actually classified in the genus Tolumnia. This re-taxonomy occurred quite a few years ago, yet society still refers to them as oncidiums. These orchids are miniatures: a 2 inch pot is all you need.

Temperature: Grow these orchids with cattleyas or other oncidiums in an intermediate environment. These orchids enjoy a range of temperatures, although they prefer temperatures of 60-85°F. Equitant oncidiums require an appropriate balance of humidity - 50% or more. If the temperature and humidity is higher, ensure good air circulation.

Light: Strong, diffused light is optimal. My equitants receive strong direct morning sun, then bright indirect light in the afternoon. This seems to be a suitable arrangement for them. My success was due to more direct sun in the early part of the day.

Watering: Watering techniques are the second most critical aspect to successfully bringing equitant oncidiums to flowering. Water when plants dry out. This advice is something you learn by trial and error. I followed advice from different growers over the years and tried a variety of ideas. It's simply too easy to over water, which causes root rot, or underwater, which causes desiccation. Following similar watering preferences as cattleyas proved to be most successful. Observe their roots and adjust your watering accordingly. Keep them on the dry side.

Flowers: Flowers have the magnificent oncidium skirt and body. Flowers are truly a kaleidoscope of colors: pink, apricot, orange, yellow, and brown with varying patterns, speckles and spots. A multitude of flowers are borne on individual stalks, producing a wonderful spray. Do not cut the inflorescence after the initial blooms are finished. The orchid should develop a new inflorescence. One of my Equitant oncidiums has been blooming since early December. Flowers are colorful, deep and rich.

Equitant orchids can be difficult to grow and may not be the best choice for novice hobbyists. Advice from many growers indicated these were easy to cultivate, however, I did not have the right conditions until recently. Equitant oncidiums take up minimal space on your growing benches and provide a long lasting profusion of flowers.

Until next time,

Vivi