Oncidium 'Sweet Sugar'
Dancing lady orchid
- Height × spread
- 0.8m × 0.45m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The popular name 'Dancing Lady Orchid' reflects the visual appeal of these bright yellow flowers that appear to balance on the long branching flowering stalks like a flight of butterflies. Close examination shows the flowers have an irregular tan red mark on the small upper petals, (The Labellum). These orchids flower during summer and autumn. They require a minimum winter temperature of 10C. This orchid is an epiphyte which means it grows naturally on the branches of trees. It can be bought mounted on a support, or can be grown in a bark-based orchid compost, requiring moisture all year, but especially during the months when it is in flower. The compost should be able to drain freely so the plant does not become sodden. Although it will take part shade it performs best when placed in the bright light afforded by an east-facing window.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.8m
- Spread
- 0.45m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Keep dry during dormancy
This plant likes a period of dryness in winter. Otherwise increase watering as it comes into growth, water regularly, then decrease as the plant enters dormancy. Mist the foliage daily while in growth.
Other opinions state that plant should receive the occasional light watering while it is in its dormant or resting period.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with orchid feed
Use a standard orchid feed regularly at every third watering during summer, applying it as directed on the packet.
For specialist feeding, you can buy a group of orchid feeds. Apply a high nitrogen feed in spring as the plant is coming into growth, a balanced feed during growth, and a high potash feed in autumn.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, close to window
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible, within 2-3 metres of a sunny or bright window (one that is south, east, or west facing).
Compost · Planting
Orchid-epiphytic compost for repotting
Buy a standard orchid mix for orchids that are epiphytic in character i.e. they grow on other things, generally other plants.
If making one's own one recipe create a mix that is half fine bark chips, and a mix of fine gravel and perlite and charcoal for the other half. Opinions vary on 'recipes' and if your interest develops, you can research the views of specialist growers.