Oncidium spike

[mycologist]

I got this as my second orchid from my wife in bloom last Christmas. While she is a big fan of flowers (and gets credit for most of the background plants) she has been a bit skeptical as I have quickly accumulated fair number of species. Lucky for me, it will be the first to bloom of the lot. So, I am fairly excited on my own and am largely off the hook at the same time. The spike is growing very rapidly as it just emerged over the weekend while I was away, and is now 4"-5".

Is it supposed to be purple like that or should I give it some more phosphorus (or both)? It got moved out of the moss and was given some 2-3-2 emulsion/kelp just before this happened (although I thought I saw something lurking in there already).

[orchid-man]

the color of the spike you have is a good indication that there is going to be the dark redish or have a fair amount of that color in it. In shot its the correct color.

Good growing

[ischel1]

Beautiful spike. I bet it's going to be a fantastic bloom(s).

[mycologist]

Cool, it is actually a yellow and cranberry flower as you suggested. It is one of only 2 plants I have that are NOID unfortunately. I actually like the gangly nature, it reminds me of a Welwitschia or something.


Does anyone know how long it will take on average for a strap leaf hybrid like this to bloom out?

[clintdawley]

I grow several odonts and intergenerics, and it usually takes between 2-3 months from spike to first flowers. I have a couple of odonticidums that are about to pop and they started spiking in early July. Do post a picture when it blooms--unlike phrags..I'm pretty good at identifying the most commonly found types of these.

My guess from the shape of the foliage is Odonticidium Wildcat. If it's a Wildcat..I can probably tell you the clone.

Cool, it is actually a yellow and cranberry flower as you suggested. It is one of only 2 plants I have that are NOID unfortunately. I actually like the gangly nature, it reminds me of a Welwitschia or something.

Does anyone know how long it will take on average for a strap leaf hybrid like this to bloom out?

[John D.]

I would think three weeks to a month from where the spike is now.

[clintdawley]

Just took a snapshot of my Odont area. There is Tiger Crow 'Golden Girl' with four spikes and my Wildcat 'Yellow Butterfly' with two.

[mycologist]

Great, Thanks!

I would definately appreciate your help on the identification as I have no clue (I actually have to forget a mushroom every time I learn these plants. I hope it doesn't resist the move back indoors too much. It took me a long time to realize how very much light this plant likes.

[mycologist]

Sorry for the double post but we overlapped.

Your plants are rocking!

[mycologist]

Here is the new post with all the flowers open.