Oncidium varicosum

O.varicosum is one of the most frequently cultivated orchids . Especially in the past it was oftern imported to Europe ; nowadays ,it has given way to more efficient hybrids. It is a ''classic'' robust Oncidium that forms tall (up to 4 in/10m cm) ,biifoliate pseudobulbs . Its erect ,branched flower spike,often longer than 3.3 ft/ 1 m , bears up to hundred yellow flowers with red -and - brown dots and a showy sulfer -yellow lip . The size of the flowers is highly variable but limited by 2.2 in/ 5.5 cm . Grow this species in semi-shade ,epiphytically or in a flowerpot ,and fertilize it more abundantly during the growth period. The plants sometimes ''omit ''to produce flowers : this is caused by excessive shade or, paradoxically ,if the conditions that the plants are provided with are ''too good '' with no vegetation rest. O . varicosum blooms between October and February and comes from Brazil.