Introducing...
Oncidium orchids (warm growing)
Botanical name: Oncidium
Common name: butterfly orchid, dancing ladies
These tender orchids are popular houseplants, producing multiple stems of small, dainty flowers. They grow well in a warm, bright room, adding a splash of tropical glamour.
Looks
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.
Likes
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, moderate watering and free-draining, bark-based orchid compost.
Dislikes
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.
Did you know?
Each small flower looks like a woman in a flared dress, while the whole spray of dainty blooms resembles a cloud of winged butterflies. So it’s easy to see how these plants got their common names of dancing ladies or butterfly orchids.
Growing guide
How to grow ‘warm growing’ oncidium orchids
All the information you’ll need to grow these spectacular orchids successfully in your home or greenhouse.
Oncidiums we recommend
Oncidium Jungle Monarch gx
dancing lady orchid Jungle Monarch gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Oncidium Sharry Baby gx
dancing lady orchid Sharry Baby gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Oncidium Jungle Monarch gx
dancing lady orchid Jungle Monarch gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Oncidium Sharry Baby gx
dancing lady orchid Sharry Baby gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Oncidium Jungle Monarch gx
dancing lady orchid Jungle Monarch gx
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Houseplants for different locations
How to grow houseplants
How to help a poorly houseplant
Leaf damage on houseplants
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.