Plant Needs.... Planting site Hardiness: Hardy in UK/Ireland not Scottish Highlands Zones 10 to 12 (-1C to 16C / 30F to 60F) Border/container: Borders and containers Sun/shade: Likes sun, part shade Soil type: Any Soil pH: Acid (ericaceous) Moisture: Well drained soil Hazardous: Yes, Potentially harmful Humans: Skin allergen
Plant Names... Botanical name: Oncidium 'Sweet Sugar' Common name: Dancing lady orchid Also known as:
Plant Type... Plant botanical type: Orchid
Use For... (UseFor)
Description... The popular name 'Dancing Lady Orchid' reflects the visual appeal of these bright yellow flowers that appear to balance on the long branching flowering stalks like a flight of butterflies. Close examination shows the flowers have an irregular tan red mark on the small upper petals, (The Labellum). These orchids flower during summer and autumn. They require a minimum winter temperature of 10C. This orchid is an epiphyte which means it grows naturally on the branches of trees. It can be bought mounted on a support, or can be grown in a bark-based orchid compost, requiring moisture all year, but especially during the months when it is in flower. The compost should be able to drain freely so the plant does not become sodden. Although it will take part shade it performs best when placed in the bright light afforded by an east-facing window.
Typically available as
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Seeds
(GA0)
(GA3)
(GA6)
(GA9)
Bulbs
(GA1)
(GA4)
(GA7)
(GA10)
Plants
(GA2)
(GA5)
(GA8)
(GA11)
Oncidium 'Sweet Sugar'
Planting your new plant
Water the plant thoroughly when you get it home, and plant out as soon as possible. Make the hole for the plant larger that the pot it is in and the same depth. When removing the plant from the pot, squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen it. Loosen the roots of the plant, put the plant in the hole spreading the roots to encourage them to grow outwards. Fill round the edges of the rootball with soil to the same level as the surrounding soil.
Care for your plant
Plants in containers need plant food to thrive when in growth. Seek advice from your retailer regarding best product(s). Follow the packet instructions when applying plant food. Remove fading flowers to encourage fresh ones.
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