Oncldiums A Rewarding Choice of Plant Size and Flower Colors

摘要

ONCIDIUMS ARE WELL KNOWN even outside orchid circles for their bright yellow dancing-lady flowers on graceful arching sprays. For decades, the yellow-flowered golden-spray oncidiums have been favorites with flower arrangers and interior decorators. Many photographs in glossy home-decor magazines have been improved by including a blooming oncidium plant. Now orchid growers have a wide choice of flower form, color and plant size. Here are a few ideas for oncidiums to enjoy. SUCCULENT TYPES While some botanists have recently included members of this group in the genus Trichocentrum, they are still widely known as oncidiums. Oncidium splendidum has foliage resembling a succulent or thick mule ear, a common name for this type of Oncidium. A grooved solitary leaf grows directly upright 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) from small 2-inch (5-cm) purple-tinged pseudobulbs. In adequate strong sunlight, the foliage blushes red-brown. This species, unlike many oncidiums, does not sprawl. Even the 2- to 3-foot- (60- to 90-cm-) tall inflorescence is a well controlled upright spike holding 2- to 3-inch (5-to 7.5-cm) bright yellow flowers lightly marked with brown. The flat yellow lips and long-lasting quality of these flow-ers earn One. splendidum space in collections.