× Oncostele Wildcat gx
Medium-sized, sympodially growing epiphytic orchid, producing a clump of large, ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs, covered by two or three distichous leafy sheaths. Linear, fleshy, evergreen leaves up to 40cm long are borne in pair at the tip of each pseudobulb. Flowering stems can reach up to 75cm and emerge at the base of mature pseudobulbs, between the pseudobulb base and leafy sheaths. Branched racemes carry large number of small, approx 3 cm wide flowers. Colour may vary from ruby-red, orange to yellow with darker markings. Large, older plants with two or more mature pseudobulbs can often carry two or more inflorescences.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Red Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown Red Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
A hybrid genus of orchids used for greges (plural of grex) which contain at least one ancestor species from the genera Oncidium and Rhynchostele
- Name status
Accepted
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 13°C at night and up to maximum 25 °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 orchids (warm section).
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 suffient 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. Remove the flowering stem once finished flowering.
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids and scale insects.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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