first bloom in
31
days
Bloom calendar
Oncidium altissimum
Oncidium species (Oncidiinae)
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Oncidium species (Oncidiinae)
- Height × spread: 2 to 6 ft tall including spike (0.6 to 1.8 m); 1 to 2 ft wide (30 to 60 cm)
- Bloom window: spring and fall; varies by climate
- Color & flower form: yellow with brown spotting; many small flowers on tall branched spikes
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as houseplant in most of North America; outdoors year round only in zones 10 to 12
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, 1800, Caribbean
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Tall spikes compared with most Oncidium grown indoors.
- Warm growing habit rather than cool.
- Represents the type species of the genus.
Strengths
- Graceful branching display.
- Performs in warm, bright rooms.
- Responds well to basket culture.
Care in one minute
Site: bright indirect light; some morning sun helps.
Medium: medium bark with perlite; fast drainage and air at roots.
Water: soak and drain; allow mix to approach dryness between waterings.
Feed: quarter strength fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks in growth; flush monthly.
Watch‑outs
- Stems need support to avoid bending.
- Sensitive to cold drafts.
- Overwatering in dense media leads to root rot.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Range and name accepted by Kew. The species has been treated as the conserved type for the genus in taxonomic literature.
References
- Kew – POWO, Oncidium altissimum
- IOSPE – Oncidium altissimum profile
- American Orchid Society – Oncidium overview (notes on conserved type)
- American Orchid Society – Oncidium culture sheet
