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Orchid Chat |
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The genus Oncidium is one of the larger genera with over 400-600 species (depending which source you check and how they divide the group). Many taxonomists today have broken out the equitant group into the genera Tolumnia. These small orchids from the Caribbean islands seem to do best when rafted, watered daily and kept warm (even hot to some people).
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| Hall marks of the genus Oncidium includes 1-3 leathery leaves up to 12 inches long atop sturdy, ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs up to six inches tall that may become furrowed as they age. Axial bloom spikes, some branching, may be 20 inches long with 15 or more long-lasting and colorful blooms, some up to 3 inches across. They are in general non-fragrant, at least to humans. The species are scattered thoughout tropical America from from Florida through the West Indies and Mexiico south to Argentina from sea level to over 13,000 feet. With such a varied range, generalizing about cultivation can be difficult. These orchids are very popular, often available and generally considered to be easy to grow. Most species can be grown in intermediate to warm conditions with a watering rest after new growths have matured. Water and fertilize heavily while actively growing and in bloom in a well drained medium and always give bright light (similar to Cattleyas). Oncidum maculatum in the photo above is from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. Cool growing species include cimiciferum, crispum, cucullatum, falcipetalum, forbesii, garderii, hastilabium, macranthum, nubigenum, ornithorhyncum, phalaenopsis and superbiens. |
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Dues are Due! |
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Dues are due! Please send your check payable to MOS for $25 to Debra Baker, 3617 Graves Road, Memphis, TN 38116.
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27 January 2008, 2:00 p.m., monthly MOS meeting, Memphis Botanic Gardens - Orchid Digest slide show on Intermediate and Warm Growing Oncidiums. Wonderful photos and growing tips! |
15-17 February 2008, Gulf Coast Orchid Society Annual Show, Gautier, MS. |
24 February 2008, 2:00 p.m., monthly MOS meeting, Memphis Botanic Gardens - Bart Jones will be speaking on Importing Orchids
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14-16 March 2008, Pensacola Orchid Society Show, Pensacola, FL |
16 March 2008, 2:00 p.m., monthly MOS meeting, Memphis Botanic Gardens (NOTE: DATE CHANGE due to Easter) |
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