Odontoglossum – orchid

Description

Odontoglossum – There are about 200 species of evergreen, epiphytic or lithophytic, rhizomatous orchids in this genus. They occur from mountainous regions, at altitudes of 7,000-10,000′ feet high, in Central and South America. They produce egg shaped pseudobulbs, each with 1-3 variably shaped, thinly leathery, mid green leaves. They bear flowers in tall or short, erect or arching racemes or panicles that arise from the bases of the pseudobulbs, and are highly variable in color and shape, but usually ruffled. Many hybrids have been develop that flowers at almost any time of year, with 12 or more flowers in a raceme, but mainly from early spring to fall. Cool growing orchids (see chart below). Grow in small pots of epiphytic orchid potting mix, preferably made with fine grade bark to suit the fine root system. In summer, provide bright filtered light and high humidity, water and mist freely,, and apply fertilizer at every third watering. In winter, provide full light and water sparingly. Prone to spider mites, mealy bugs, aphids, whiteflies, bacterial soft rot, Cercospora leaf spot, and a variety of viruses can cause damage.