Oncidium cheirophorum (Hand Carrying Oncidium)

Oncidium cheirophorum (Hand Carrying Oncidium) is a miniature, epiphytic orchid boasting erect to arching inflorescences, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), crowded with lemon scented, bright yellow, waxy flowers. Blooming in the fall and winter, the small blossoms, 1/2 in. across (1 cm), arise from a small, conical to almost round pseudobulb with 1 or 2 thin, elliptic-lanceolate leaves. Native to Central and South America, Oncidium cheirophorum is a cool to cold growing orchid species found in lower montane rainforests at elevations of 3280-8500 ft. (1000-2500 m) often in full sun on larger branches. It is the parent of a very popular cross, Oncidium Twinkle.

• Grow in a fine-grade, bark-based epiphytic orchid compost. Provide bright filtered light and good ventilation.
• Needs a minimum night temperature of 50-64°F (10-18°C) and a daytime temperature of 64-71°F (18-22°C).
• Maintain adequate humidity (40-70%) for most of the year by setting the plant on a tray of gravel, partially filled with water, so that the pot never sits in the water. The higher temperature, the higher the humidity should be.
• Water regularly throughout the growing season, but allow the compost to become a little dry between waterings. Reduce watering to once a month or less in winter.
• Do not overwater. Oncidiums are prone to rot.
• During the growing season, feed with a weak, diluted orchid fertilizer every second or third watering. Mist regularly for high humidity.
• Reduce watering in winter and allow 4 weeks of daytime temperature around 50°F (10°C) to encourage flowering.
• Propagate by division when plants are large enough to be divided into clumps of 2 – 3 pseudobulbs and overflowing the pot.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Oncidiums do not like root disturbance and should only be repotted when either the compost becomes broken down or the pot becomes too small for the new growth. They like to be slightly underpotted in a very free-draining bark-based potting media. The best time for repotting is the period when new sprouts reach a size of 2 in. (5 cm) and begin to grow their roots.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.

Tip for reblooming

• If a plant is large and healthy but does not produce flowers in a reasonable time, then move your plant to a brighter location or a location that gets an hour or two of the early morning sun.