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Oncidium varicosum
Oncidium species; accepted as Gomesa varicosa (Oncidiinae)
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Oncidium species; accepted as Gomesa varicosa (Oncidiinae)
- Height × spread: 2 to 4 ft tall including spike (0.6 to 1.2 m); 1 to 2 ft wide (30 to 60 cm)
- Bloom window: fall to winter; varies by climate
- Color & flower form: bright yellow sprays with red brown markings on pendant branches
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: 10 to 12; grown as a houseplant elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown, 1837, Brazil to northern Argentina
- Cut‑flower notes: commercial cut flower; vase life about 1 to 3 weeks; longer with postharvest treatments
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More pendant branching than a typical Oncidium spray.
- Usually lacks fragrance.
- Used more often as a cut flower.
Strengths
- Prolific branching display.
- Performs in bright, warm rooms.
- Documented postharvest treatments improve longevity.
Care in one minute
Site: bright filtered light; acclimate slowly to avoid sunburn.
Medium: open bark mix with perlite; fast drainage.
Water: water well; let mix approach dryness between waterings.
Feed: quarter strength fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during growth; flush monthly.
Watch‑outs
- Flowers are ethylene sensitive during storage.
- Spikes can tangle without gentle staking.
- Leaf tip burn occurs if salts accumulate.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Accepted as Gomesa varicosa in current taxonomy. Native from Bolivia and Brazil into northern Argentina.
References
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