I rescued a new orchid today. Need ID ideas. - Orchid Board

stella3 · #1 03-07-2014, 02:33 PM

I decided to drive about 40 minutes to a garden center I had never been to before. The orchid display was pretty large with many different varieties. Prices were awfully high, but this place is located in more of an upscale area. While they had a few nice things, there was nothing jumping out at me. Then I saw a sign that said "SALE". I wandered over to the sale section to see what there was, and it was 90% orchids! Some of them looking rather sad, while others seemed totally healthy just not in spike, or had gone by. I picked up an oncidium type for 75% off. I have no idea what it is or will look like, but I'm hopeful I can rehabilitate it. It was the healthiest looking plant on the table! I have already repotted it in spagnum because it was totally water-logged. The only distinguishing thing that differentiates it from my other oncidiums is that the pseudobulbs are more round and very fat vs. my twinke and wilcat which have more teardrop shaped or elongated Pbulbs.

I will try and post a picture, but until then any ideas what I might have adopted?

cbuchman · #2 03-07-2014, 02:47 PM

It is very difficult to say without a picture. I often associate round and fat pseudobulbs with Encyclias; but as I said more information is needed!

stella3 · #3 03-07-2014, 03:02 PM

I hope this attachment works, not the best photo off my phone.

cbuchman · #4 03-07-2014, 03:08 PM

Not Encyclia! I would suspect Cattleya alliance. Be sure to watch the Spag and make sure ti dries out between waterings.

Ray · #5 03-07-2014, 03:18 PM

I still think oncidium alliance - probably a complex intergeneric.

Not an ice cube's chance in hell of identifying it from the plant, and not a whole lot better once it's in bloom.

stella3 · #6 03-07-2014, 03:24 PM

Thanks, I did mix the spag with a medium grade fir mix with charcoal and pumice stone. Is that gonna be ok? I have always stayed away from cattleyas because I always thought they were hard to grow! AHHHHH!!!

---------- Post added at 03:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:19 PM ----------

Ray, I'm totally cool with it being an oncidium. I realized ID would be hard, I just wanted a general guess so I could take as good care of it as possible. He better appreciate that I saved him from certain death and bloom again for me!

My Green Pets · #7 03-07-2014, 05:53 PM

I love oncidium alliance hybrids and this one looks really good. Many are fragrant with beautiful flower patterns, so it will be exciting to see what you ended up with. I'm going to throw out a wild guess and say something with brassia in it. I'd keep it in moderate temps with bright light, letting it dry almost completely between waterings, and weak but regular fertilizing. Good light will get you good growth and lots of flowers.

Would be great if you could keep this thread updated at least once a month with its progress