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× Oncostele Wildcat gx

Medium-sized, sympodially growing epiphytic orchid, producing a clump of large, ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs, covered by two or three distichous leafy sheaths. Linear, fleshy, evergreen leaves up to 40cm long are borne in pair at the tip of each pseudobulb. Flowering stems can reach up to 75cm and emerge at the base of mature pseudobulbs, between the pseudobulb base and leafy sheaths. Branched racemes carry large number of small, approx 3 cm wide flowers. Colour may vary from ruby-red, orange to yellow with darker markings. Large, older plants with two or more mature pseudobulbs can often carry two or more inflorescences.

Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Red Yellow Green
Summer Brown Red Yellow Green
Autumn Brown Red Yellow Green
Winter Brown Red Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus

A hybrid genus of orchids used for greges (plural of grex) which contain at least one ancestor species from the genera Oncidium and Rhynchostele

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 suffient 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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