Overview
Oncidium floridanum Ames is a beautiful, small-sized orchid species that belongs to the orchid family Orchidaceae. This orchid species is popularly known as the Florida Dancing Lady orchid and has been admired for its stunning flowers.
Origin and Distribution
Oncidium floridanum is endemic to the United States and is found only in Florida. It typically grows on the limestone rocks and ridges in the southern part of the state, near Miami and the Florida Keys. This orchid species has a limited distribution, and it is considered rare and endangered due to habitat destruction and over-collection for ornamental purposes.
Common Names
Florida Dancing Lady Orchid, Dancing Doll Orchid, Florida Oncidium, Greenfly Orchid
Appearance and Characteristics
Oncidium floridanum is a compact, epiphytic orchid that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a short, cylindrical pseudobulb and one to two lustrous, bright green leaves that are about 15-30 cm long. The flowers of this orchid species are its most distinctive feature, and they grow up to 5 cm in width. Oncidium floridanum produces spikes of up to 20 flowers that are yellow-green in color, with bright red or orange-red markings on the lip. The flowers have a sweet, fragrant smell and a distinctive shape that resembles dancing dolls, hence the common name – Florida Dancing Lady Orchid.
Uses
Oncidium floridanum is mainly grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive and fragrant flowers. This orchid species is often sold in seedling form or as a flowering plant. It is also used in hybridization to create new, more attractive orchid hybrids.
Light Requirements
Oncidium floridanum Ames requires moderate to bright sunlight to thrive. It is best to place this plant in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight for most of the day as direct sunlight can cause leaf burn or discoloration. A south-facing window is usually the best option.
Temperature Requirements
Oncidium floridanum Ames prefers warm to hot temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. Ideally, the plant should be kept in a location where temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) during the day and 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) at night. Extreme temperature changes can damage the plant and decrease bloom quality.
Soil Requirements
Oncidium floridanum Ames grows best in a well-draining, porous soil mix. A mix of bark, coarse perlite, and charcoal provides the necessary drainage and aeration for the plant's root system. It is also important to repot the plant every two to three years to ensure the soil remains fresh and nutrient-rich.
Cultivation Methods
Oncidium floridanum Ames, also known as the Florida Dancing Lady orchid, is native to Florida, Cuba, and the Caribbean. It is an epiphytic orchid that usually grows on trees or rocks with its roots anchored to the bark or crevices. In cultivation, it's best to simulate this natural environment by using a well-draining potting mix consisting of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or pumice. Clay pots are preferred over plastic because they provide better air circulation. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures (60 to 80°F), and it can be grown indoors or outdoors in a humid environment.
Watering Needs
Oncidium floridanum Ames needs regular watering during the growing season, which is from spring to fall. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of the potting mix is dry, typically every 5-7 days. In the winter, reduce watering and allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers as this can cause rotting or fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Oncidium floridanum Ames is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization during the growing season to produce healthy foliage and flowers. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with a higher concentration of nitrogen in the spring and summer to promote new growth, and switch to a bloom booster fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium in the fall to encourage flower production. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply every 2-3 weeks when watering the plant. Avoid overfertilizing as this can damage the roots and burn the foliage.
Pruning
Oncidium floridanum Ames does not require pruning except for removing dead or damaged leaves or pseudobulbs. After the plant has finished flowering, cut the flower spike at the base to encourage the growth of new spikes. If the plant has outgrown its pot, it can be repotted in a larger pot in the spring before new growth emerges. However, keep in mind that Oncidium floridanum Ames prefers to be slightly crowded in a pot, so only repot when necessary.
Propagation of Oncidium floridanum Ames
Oncidium floridanum Ames, commonly known as Florida Dancing Lady Orchid, can be propagated through various methods, including:
Division
Division is the most commonly used propagation method for Oncidium floridanum Ames. The best time to divide the plant is during repotting when it has overgrown its container. The plant should be gently removed from the pot, and the roots should be carefully separated into clumps. Each clump should have at least three pseudobulbs and a few healthy roots. These clumps can then be potted individually.
Back Bulbs
Back bulbs are older, mature pseudobulbs that have lost their leaves. These bulbs can be removed from the plant and potted in a suitable potting medium. The bulbs should be placed in a pot with only the top protruding, and the potting media should be kept slightly moist until new growth emerges.
Keikis
Keikis are baby plants that grow from the nodes of the stem or the base of the plant. These baby plants can be left to grow on the mother plant or can be removed and potted individually once they have developed roots. To remove a keiki, it should be gently separated from the parent plant with a sterilized blade and then potted in a suitable potting medium.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is possible, but it is a more complex and time-consuming method. The seeds should be collected from a mature pod and sown in a sterile growing medium. Adequate moisture and warmth should be maintained until the seedlings emerge. Seed propagation is not commonly used due to the complexity of the process.
Disease and Pest Management of Oncidium Floridanum Ames
Oncidium floridanum Ames is a beautiful orchid that is native to Florida. As with any plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Brown Spot: One of the most common diseases that affects Oncidium floridanum Ames is brown spot. This fungal disease appears as small, circular brown spots on the leaves. It can spread quickly and cause leaves to wither and die. To manage brown spot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered, as excessive moisture creates an environment for the fungus to grow. Remove infected leaves and applying a copper-based fungicide is also helpful to prevent the spread of brown spot disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that appears as pale or dark brown spots on leaves. It is mainly caused by poor air circulation and high humidity. To manage leaf spot, ensure adequate air flow and regulate humidity. Applying a suitable copper-based fungicide can also help control its growth and prevent spreading.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are among the common pests that attack Oncidium floridanum Ames. These microscopic arachnids cause leaf yellowing and eventual leaf death by sucking out their sap. A recommended solution to control Spider mites is spraying a fine mist of water on the leaves or wiping it off with a damp cloth frequently. Repeating this treatment for several days will get rid of them.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from plants, causing stunted growth. They can be difficult to manage once they infest the plant. It is recommended to use an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or swab to eliminate them
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, white or black insects that feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing or distorted leaves. Regular use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage thrips spread.
Adopting good cultural practices like regular inspection, proper watering, sanitation, and maintaining environmental factors such as humidity and airflow goes a long way to preventing the spread of Oncidium floridanum Ames diseases and pests. An early diagnosis of a problem on your plant can increase its chances of survival.
