Oncidium orchids

Oncidium is the "dancing lady", a large American genus spread across Mexico, the Caribbean, and south through the Andes to Argentina. Plants typically grow from pseudobulbs and produce arching flower spikes carrying dozens or hundreds of small-to-medium blooms, often in yellow and brown patterns. The ruffled lip that gives the genus its common name resembles a dancer's skirt.

Oncidiums and their intergeneric relatives (Miltonia, Brassia, Odontoglossum, Tolumnia and the Wilsonara, Odontocidium, Miltonidium hybrids) dominate American-alliance growing. Most commercially available Oncidiums are intermediate growers that flower reliably once conditions are right.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light (2,000 to 3,000 footcandles), intermediate temperatures (nights 15 to 18 °C), regular water when pseudobulbs are developing, drier between waterings once mature. 50 to 70 percent humidity. Medium fir bark. Pseudobulbs should stay plump; noticeable wrinkling signals chronic underwatering.

Notable species and hybrids include Oncidium sphacelatum, Oncidium tigrinum, Oncidium maculatum, Sharry Baby (a famously fragrant hybrid with cocoa-scented blooms), and Twinkle. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.