Odontoglossum orchids

Odontoglossum is a genus of high-altitude New World orchids, native to the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 metres. Plants produce compact pseudobulbs topped with strappy leaves, and flower spikes carry strongly patterned large flowers with markings in browns, yellows, whites, reds, and purples. Molecular phylogenetics has reshuffled the genus extensively, moving many familiar species into Oncidium, Rhynchostele, and other genera, though catalogues and hobbyists continue to use the Odontoglossum name.

The genus is central to the cool-growing hybrids long sold as Wilsonara, Vuylstekeara, and Odontocidium. Those nothogenus names went with the reshuffle: most former Wilsonara grexes are now Oncostele or plain Oncidium, Vuylstekeara became Oncidopsis, and Odontocidium crosses are registered as Oncidium. The hybrids still dominate European cool-growing collections and remain popular with growers who can provide the temperatures the plants want.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): cool to intermediate temperatures (nights 10 to 14 °C, day maximum 22 °C), medium to bright indirect light (1,500 to 2,500 footcandles), 60 to 80 percent humidity, regular watering during growth with brief drying between. Fine to medium fir bark. Pure water preferred to avoid mineral buildup.

Classical species include Odontoglossum crispum, Odontoglossum harryanum, and Odontoglossum pescatorei. Complex hybrids like Oncidopsis Cambria 'Plush' FCC/RHS (long sold as Vuylstekeara Cambria) remain widely cultivated. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.