Oncidium orchids (warm growing)

A spectacular sight in full bloom, warm growing oncidiums produce several huge sprays of small vibrant flowers, often yellow speckled with maroon but also colours ranging from pink to reddish-purple and white. These stand above clumps of long, narrow leaves that sprout from large swollen pseudobulbs at the base.

They prefer bright light, ideally on a west- or east-facing windowsill, with temperatures of 18–25°C (65–77°F) in the day and 13–17°C (55–63°F) at night. They like humid air and free-draining, bark-based orchid compost.

These oncidiums are tender and must be kept above 13°C (55°F) and out of cold draughts. They dislike poor light and dry air. Overwatering and damp compost can cause rotting, so let them dry out between waterings, especially in winter.

Each small flower looks like a woman in a flared dress, while the whole spray of dainty blooms resembles a cloud of winged butterflies. It’s easy to see how these plants got their common names of dancing ladies or butterfly orchids.