Oncidium vulcanicum

Oncidium vulcanicum is a orchid we have been growing since the 1990s when it was known as Cochlioda vulcanica. DNA analysis has placed the old genus Cochlioda firmly in the genus Oncidium. The 'Cochliodas' are a group of Oncidiums that have adapted for pollination by hummingbirds and the adaptions are clearly visible in this lovely species including the bright red/pink colour and the beak guides at the top of the lip.

Oncidium vulcanicum is native to the mountains of South america from Colombia to Peru where it is found as a lithophyte on rocks or an epiphyte in cloud forests from 1400-3000m. The spedies is named for the volcanic mountains it grows on and we find enjoys growing really cool in our Himalayas greenhouse (min 7C) with lots of water throughout the year.