Odontoglossum Species

White Flowers

• The star-shaped flowers of Odontoglossum crispum appear in groups as large as 12 on a single plant, and they each 3 inches across. The white or pale pink petals are spotted with red or purple designs and appear from fall to winter. Another mostly white species of Odontoglossum is O. Rossii, a variety with white petals and lip and brown spots on its sepals. There may be two to five flowers on each plant, which appear in winter.

Red and Purple Flowers

• Though the background of the Georgian Red Odontoglossum is white, splashes of bright reds give it a vivid, colorful appearance. This flower exhibits many shades of red, from pink to crimson, as well as a pleasant scent. The Illustre hybrid has red or brown-colored petals splotched with white. Another hybrid called Mimosa "Oda Marcet" has purple petals that exhibit a soft, velvety texture. A hybrid cross with Beallara called Marfitch Howards Dream shows off brilliant purple edges and spots.

Yellow Flowers

• The Peruvian Golden Yellow orchid, also known as Oncidium, is renowned for its golden petals, firecracker blossom formation and patterns of red and orange. Odontoglossum Holiday Yellow is a golden-yellow orchid that forms the basis of many hybrids and cultivars. It has been crossed with Geyser Gold for a golden hybrid. Odontoglossum hallii exhibits 4-inch, pale yellow flowers spotted with brown patches. Odontoglossum schlieperanum produces a distinct array of petals with a light yellow hue, with patterns of red or brown markings across them.

Care

• Regardless of their color and appearance, Odontoglossums generally require the same care. They grow best in cool conditions with some shade. Provide a bark mixture mixed with perlite or sphagnum moss as growing medium. If leaves appear dark green, they may not be receiving adequate light. Reddish green indicates too much light. Provide plenty of moisture, particularly when they are not in bloom, but allow the soil to dry a bit between waterings. Ideal humidity levels are between 55 and 75 percent.