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Oncidium papilio

butterfly orchid

A medium-sized, warm-growing epiphytic orchid. New growth emerges from the base of swollen stems (pseudobulbs). Each pseudobulb is round, approximately 3-5cm large, carrying single, 15 - 20cm long leaf. Each rigid leaf is dark green mottled with purple or brown-red. New flowering stems emerge from the base of young, mature pseudobulb and carry numerous, flowers developing in succession. Each upright stem can measure up to 120cm. Flowers are unusually shaped, 13-15cm large and yellow with a reddish-brown pattern.

Other common names
butterfly plant

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Brown Green Purple Brown
Summer Yellow Brown Green Purple Brown
Autumn Yellow Brown Green Purple Brown
Winter Yellow Brown Green Purple Brown
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Orchidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Oncidium are a large genus of epiphytic orchids; mature plants form clumps of ovoid to conical pseudobulbs, each with 1-3 mid-green, variably-shaped, leathery leaves arising from the tips. Flower panicles from the bases of the pseudobulbs widely differ in colour and shape

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Trinidad, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in an open bark-based orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Provide enough bright filtered light, but keep away from direct sunlight or a heating source. Ideal temperatures are around minimum 14°C at night and up to maximum 30 °C during day. Water regularly, when the pot feels light when lifted. Ensure that all water drains away, preventing the plant sitting wet. Orchid fertiliser can be applied regularly throughout the growing season. Reduce watering and feeding in winter months. For more notes on cultivation, see oncidium orchid (warm) cultivation

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required. Do not remove flowering stems, as they will re-flower if left undisturbed.

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.

Diseases

Generally disease-free. Poor air movement may cause bacterial or fungal rots. Good hygiene practice and sterilising cutting tools prevent the spread of virus diseases.

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