× Oncidesa Sweet Sugar gx
A compact-growing, medium-sized, epiphytic orchid, producing a clump of small, light-green, ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb is covered with three leafy sheaths growing at the base and two leaves growing from the tip. Leaves are green or light-green, up to 35cm long and 3cm wide. Flowering stems up to 35cm long emerge from the base of mature pseudobulbs and carry large number of small, 3cm wide, brilliant yellow flowers.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Name status
Accepted
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 13°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 orchids (warm section).
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. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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