Odontoglossum Alliance

[kamuela]

Nigel,

A very complex question. The Odont Alliance has huge variations of cultural conditions. The traditional Colombian types, based on Odm. crispum, require moderate to cool day and night temperatures. The intergenerics are a mixed bag. Some favor the cooler side, some tolerate warmer conditions. The types that tolerate blast furnace hot conditions (think Bangkok) are far and few between. But the closer to a warm-growing oncidium in the background the better to survive in really hot conditions.

Specific micro-climates will allow variations on general rules. I have seen Odm. crispum flower in a very hot region on Oahu. But I didn't see the plant in follow up visits years later. My greenhouse will spike to 100 degree F. and higher and although my odonts will complain, I have learned how to compensate. I am lucky because I do have relative low night temperatures and generally I see more spiking in my odonts over the years than I do in my cymbidiums, except for the madidum types. I knew a hobbyist in Kona (which is hot) who grew and flowered Vuyls. Cambria 'Plush'. He lived very near the ocean and the breezes helped cool the daytime tropical temperatures.

When a customer asks me "Can I grow this?" referring to any orchid, I generally ask about the person's level of cultivation experience. If a customer wants a plant to put out in the yard and forget about after it is finished blooming, then a specific plant must fit their specific environmental conditions. But if the person is a Master Gardener, then they can play with a variety of types to adapt to their conditions. It all depends how much time and interest the person has in growing the plant versus having the plant grow itself.

[Nigel]

Thanks Kamuela for taking the time to write such an informative reply.
The only Odotoglossums listed on Aus. ebay are photos etc.
It seems they are like cymbidiums in their particular likes/dislikes depending on bloodlines.
I still have much to learn about cyms, but now I have something else to follow.
Nigel.

[MrCym]

I think Cyms are much easier to grow and bloom, even in Brisbane. But.... there are some warmth-loving intergeneric Odont. Alliance hybrids that are pretty bullet-proof, even in Qld. And they are like the enquirer, rather colorful!