New Odontoglossum Alliance information

[claypot]

Fewer and fewer people seem to be growing Odontoglossums these days which is a shame because they need minimum heat and have super colourful flowers. In the UK and EU few nursery growers even find them commercially worthwhile, I suppose having been taken over by Phalaenopsis. Nevertheless there is still solid interest around the world.
Anyway, the International Odontoglossum Alliance has just released a new website home with basic information and, of course their latest newsletter which is now on-line. Hopefully this will stimulate interest and the site will help with cultivation.

[Regelian]

Thanks for the infos. Yes, these plants have taken a backseat, but this is largely due to the modern living condition. They make rather poor house plants in the long term. Our homes have become too dry and consistently warm. The few species I keep are in the greenhouse, as they simply require the humidity and temp fluctuations. It is a great pity, as this is one of the most graceful groups of orchids.

[claypot]

I agree. I have 400+ but they all live in a carefully controlled greenhouse. Certainly not houseplants.

[JScott]

I absolutely love the Odontiodas. I'd have ALL of the Odontiodas if I could keep them happy, but I've tried a couple, and I just can't. I grow my plants outside in the summer and indoors under lights and at windows in the winter. I've tried keeping them outside in the spring and fall when the temperatures are ideal for them, but that only lasts for two or three weeks twice a year, so it doesn't help much. I've tried keeping them real close to the window in the winter where it is cooler, but it's still not enough. Fortunately there's some Vuylstekearas that favor the Odontioda parent that do pretty well for me, so I'll have to be satisfied with those

[Regelian]

OK, CP, 400 plants. Let's start seeing some fotos! There were recently some fotos from the classic work 'The Orchid Studbook' 1909 (Rolfe & Hurst) on FB. One primary, O. Eurydice, (cirrhosum x hastilabium) would be worth remaking. The trick is getting the parents together!

[D_novice]

Thanks for this. Posting of an Onc/Odont hybrid about to go up in this forum. I've fallen hard for Ondicium alliance plants. But there aren't that many pure Odontoglossums left, according to the new classifications.


Couple of great books for those interested: The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Oncidium by Zelenko and Chase; and antique book (reprinted), Cool Orchids and How to Grow Them, by F.W. Burbidge.

[Regelian]

Details - Cool orchids, and how to grow them : with a descriptive list of all the best species in cultivation / - Biodiversity Heritage Library
Here a link to a copy of COOL ORCHIDS.