Oncidium ornithorhynchum
dove orchid
A small to medium-sized, evergreen epiphytic orchid with upright, 20-40cm long, linear leaves. New growth appears from the base of swollen stem (pseudobulb). Pseudobulbs are oval-shaped, 3-8cm long and 3-5cm wide, compressed at the top, each carrying two or more leaves from the tip. The plant typically flowers in autumn and winter on pendulous, 15-60cm long stems. New flowering stems arise from the axils of leafed sheaths, wrapped around young, mature pseudobulbs. Flowers are up to 2cm large, pale pink and sweetly scented. Large, mature plants are able to produce numerous flowering stems for an impressive display.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Pink | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Oncidium are a large genus of epiphytic orchids; mature plants form clumps of ovoid to conical pseudobulbs, each with 1-3 mid-green, variably-shaped, leathery leaves arising from the tips. Flower panicles from the bases of the pseudobulbs widely differ in colour and shape
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico to C America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around minimum 8°C at night and up to maximum 25 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. For more notes on cultivation, see oncidium orchid (cool) cultivation
Propagation
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut off spent flower spikes.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Diseases
Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.
Get involved
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