Can't take any credit for this one, except trekking 40 minutes to Queens to pick it up from a self-described "species snob" who was going to saladize it. Seven spikes for 10 bucks, that's not a bad ratio in my book.



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Formerly included within the genus Oncidium, and native to Central and South America, the four or so species comprising the genus Psychopsis were reclassified several years ago based on taxonomic differences. Popularly known as the "butterfly orchids", psychopsis produce large fanciful flowers in shades of bright orange and yellow. Psychopsis are successive-blooming, and each individual inflorescence may produce a sequential parade of flowers for several years.

Psychopsis are prone to rot, especially with regards to the new growths, and care must be taken to avoid leaving standing water at night. Their roots must also dry out rapidly, and for this reason many growers opt for clay pots or mounts. Psychopsis greatly resent any root disturbance, and repotting should only be carried out during periods of active root growth to minimize the shock. The plants seem to be adaptable with regards to light, with some growers opting for standard cattleya levels, and others providing slightly more than phalaenopsis levels. Intermediate to warm temperatures round out the culture.