Wilsonaria Eye Candy 'Pinky'

[Sagamore]

This beautiful orchid was a valentines day present from my fiance. So much better than a dozen roses! It was in spike when we got it, and the flowers have lasted almost 2 months so far. I also took a couple off it to use in corsages (I'm a florist) and it lasted amazingly well.
If anyone has any cultural advice about this genus please let me know! I've never had a Wilsonaria before.

[terracotta7]

Wilsonara is an intergeneric hybrid of Cochlioda x Odontoglossum x Oncidium. I have one myself that I have found to be very tolerant and easy to flower. Mine gets a fair amount of morning sun, not too high humidity (just what is in the house plus on a gravel tray), and warm temps in the summer and cool in the winter (60s*F). I am sure more experienced growers can give you even more advice than I. Oh yes, mine is in a clay orchid pot with Orchiata mix. It bloomed on two spikes this past season and has three new growths already started.

Good luck with your beautiful orchid and WELCOME to OB!!!!

[Optimist]

I've seen eye candy online, and am really attracted. I have an Austin Powers which looks very similar though. I see you have an oncidium type in the background. It is the same care. Wilsonaras and other onc. Hybrids were developed to like most house plant situations. They do like more light than phals, and like to be outside, if you can find the right temp and shading situstions.

[Gthumbz89]

Wowza!!! that is a awesome orchid the patterning is very interesting! one day when I move out and get a grow tent I really want some orchids like these. Cool that you use these for corsages.

[Sagamore]

Thanks for the advice! Sounds like it will do well with my setup. I have my other oncidium types in a sunny southwest window corner. I have a sheer curtain to provide some shade on the brightest and hottest days of the year. I also have some Orchiata to repot it when the flower's done. It's currently packed pretty tight in a moss based mix. We'll see about putting it outside... I live in Wisconsin and we have very extreme and unpredictable temperatures.

[RosieC]

Really gorgeous

[Gthumbz89]

How big is that plant by the way??? height and width would help. I really want to grow one, but I am space limited so I don't want to grow a behemoth of a plant.

[james mickelso]

Wilsonaras are easy to grow and flower. Potting in clay will facilitate spiking because of the evaporative cooling. Mine like the light levels of my catteyas but care must be exercised because they are thinned leaved and can burn easily. Mix in some moss but not more than 25% and chop it up a bit. They have very thin numerous roots so when potting make sure you spread the roots out or put some gravel or peanuts under the center of the root mass so that it doesn't stay too wet which will quickly rot. Nice plant.