Fast-Growing, Short-Cycle Orchids

Genus Oncidium

• The genus Oncidium contains 330 species of orchids. Fast-growing, short-cycle varieties include Burnt Spot, Sweet Sugar and Fragrance Fantasy. Oncidiums adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, growing everywhere from sea level to the high mountains. Florists often refer to Oncidium orchids as spray orchids because of the number of small flowers on each stalk. Many Oncidium species grow in full sun, and most thrive with one to several hours of sun per day.

Oncidium Burnt Spot

• The Burnt Spot Oncidium orchid grows naturally in Mexico and as far south as Venezuela and is known for its rapid growth to 6 feet or more. It forms clumps as the pseudobulbs reproduce, and the stalks reach 3 feet or more. Each stalk produces many small yellow and brown flowers with wing-like shapes. Oncidiums outgrow their pots quickly because of their fast-growing reproduction cycles. They tolerate long periods without fertilizer and prefer a coarse bark mix.

Oncidium Sweet Sugar

• Sweet Sugar blooms twice a year with bright yellow and light mahogany flowers. Its spikes are 18 to 20 inches long with many heavy-flowering branches on each one. Sweet Sugar flowers last two months. Sweet Sugar should be re-potted yearly as it outgrows its container. These fast-growing oncidiums may produce up to 30 new growths per year. Plastic pots help the plant retain moisture.

Oncidium Fragrance Fantasy

• The Fragrance Fantasy oncidium orchid features a profusion of twinkle-like white blooms on a miniature plant. Its fragrance is sweet, and it is a fast-growing orchid variety. Fragrance Fantasy blooms in summer and prefers daytime temperatures of 69 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with 50 percent humidity. Its short blooming cycle produces flowering stalks in fall and spring. Re-pot to a one size larger pot as it reproduces.