Purple Spike?? Oncidium What is this? - Orchid Board

orchidculture · #1 03-01-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi all
I have this orchid that I purchased unmarked (as usual) and not in bloom. It has developed an incredibly broad deep purple spike that is simply fascinating and appears as though it will produce more flowers than any plant ever. Can you help me identify it?

Ethan · #2 03-01-2009, 02:59 PM

Wow, that is really interesting...I've never seen so much color to a spike before...I don't know what type of orchid this could be, but I can't wait to see what the flowers look like!!

rtsingleton · #3 03-01-2009, 03:10 PM

the color in the spike itself is nice, hopefully the blooms won't disappoint...

lambelkip · #4 03-01-2009, 05:52 PM

are you sure it's an Oncidium? There's a number of other things it could be. (like Zygopetalum). and I don't see a lot of buds forming on that spike, maybe just one or two. keep us updated, maybe when it opens we can identify it.

orchidculture · #5 03-01-2009, 05:58 PM

No I dont know for sure that it is an oncidium... I assumed. I know... bad bad. Any other ideas knowing that?

nenella · #6 03-01-2009, 06:02 PM

Sorry Can't help but am very interested in seeing the blooms! keep us posted.

WhiteRabbit · #7 03-01-2009, 06:18 PM

looks like some type of oncidium to me!
the zygos I have seen have golf ball p-bulbs and spike off of very young new growth
so my vote is oncidium hybrid lol
keep us updated!

Ethan · #8 03-02-2009, 07:57 AM

I agree with White Rabbit - zygo p-bulbs seem to be rounded. My guess is some oncidium intergeneric hybrid, maybe Odontocidium or Colmanara.

I did a google search and found Odontocidium Black Beauty that looks to have a really dark spike, but it's hard to tell if that is yours. I will say that I have an Odontocidium Everglade Elegance that has pseudobulbs similar to yours and the flower spikes are very large and thick like yours, but they are green. So my bet is this is an Odontocidium.

Can't wait to see what your flowers look like...be sure to post some photos when they open!!!

tuvoc · #9 03-02-2009, 09:57 AM

My Colm. Wild Cat 'Bob Cat' spikes exactly like that. The plant is just right too. Be patient, that spike can get quite tall before the buds grow and open.

Kim

orchidculture · #10 03-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Cool... you have all been so helpful. If anyone else has ideas, please do add your thoughts. I cannot wait to see this one now.

I love buying them unmarked, you never know what you are going to get, and it is like christmas when they do open.

I will definetly keep you posted on it's progress.