Oncidium sphacelatum
TAXONOMY
FamilyOrchidaceae
GenusOncidium
Zone11
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Oncidium sphacelatum, commonly called the dancing lady orchid, is a warm- to hot-growing pseudobulbous epiphyte native to lowland and foothill forests from Mexico through Central America. It forms clustered pseudobulbs with narrow leaves and produces large, airy sprays of yellow and brown flowers. It thrives in wet tropical to subtropical climates with ample humidity and air movement. It does not have a strict dormancy but benefits from a brief, drier rest after flowering.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Dancing Lady Orchid
Kandyan Dancer Orchid
Popcorn Orchid
Burnt spot oncidium
Oncidium schrautianum
Oncidium sphacelatum f. xanthinum
Oncidium sphacelatum var. majus
Oncidium sphacelatum var. minus
Oncidium stenostalix
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilPeaty
LightIndirect Bright (12 Hours)
Temperature23° C
Humidity70%
pH5.8
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Provide bright filtered light, avoiding harsh midday sun. Keep conditions warm with good air circulation and moderately high humidity. Water thoroughly and then allow the medium to approach dryness before watering again; avoid staying soggy. Feed lightly during active growth and slightly reduce water and fertilizer after blooming. Maintain stable, moderate temperatures and avoid cold drafts.Soil
Use a very well-draining epiphytic orchid mix such as medium to coarse bark with perlite and a bit of sphagnum. The medium should drain quickly yet retain some moisture and allow abundant airflow to the roots. Mounting on cork or tree fern is suitable in humid environments; potted plants should never sit in water.Fertilizer
Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer at dilute strength on a regular schedule during active growth, with periodic flushing to prevent salt buildup. Reduce frequency and strength slightly during cooler or less active periods. Switch to a bloom-leaning formula if desired as spikes develop.Repotting
Repot when the medium breaks down or when new roots emerge from fresh growth, typically every 1–2 years. Use a snug pot and fresh, coarse orchid mix. Position the oldest pseudobulbs against the pot edge to allow room for new growth, keeping rhizomes and pseudobulb bases just at the surface for good airflow.Propagation
Propagate by division when the plant is large and new growth with fresh roots is starting. Cut the rhizome with sterile tools, keeping at least 3–4 healthy pseudobulbs per division. Pot divisions in fresh medium and provide high humidity and gentle air movement until established.Pruning
Remove spent flower spikes near the base once they fade, and trim dead or desiccated leaves and sheaths with sterilized tools. Do not cut green, active spikes. Regularly remove old, rotting medium and debris to prevent disease.Toxicity
Orchids, including Oncidium, are generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. Ingesting large amounts of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals. Sap may irritate very sensitive skin; handle with standard care.Additional
Leaf color is a useful guide: medium green with a slight yellow cast indicates adequate light; dark green suggests too little, and reddish spotting may indicate too much sun. Slight pseudobulb wrinkling often signals under-watering or salt buildup; adjust watering and flush the medium periodically. Mounted plants require more frequent watering. Ensure strong air movement to prevent rot in humid conditions.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
