The genus Odontoglossum has not existed independently botanically since 2008. Chase and colleagues have incorporated all species into Oncidium based on molecular genetic data. The famous Odontoglossum crispum is now called Oncidium alexandrae. A smaller subgroup was split off into the genus Cyrtochilum.
In collector circles and in trade, the name Odontoglossum is still used today — it refers to the cool-growing mountain orchids from the Andes, the typical "Odontoglossum alliance" with their multi-generic hybrids (Beallara, Burrageara, Vuylstekeara, Wilsonara).
Odontoglossum crispum was the most expensive orchid in Europe at the end of the 19th century. Collector expeditions ventured into the Colombian Andes, thousands of plants were uprooted and shipped to England. At Sotheby's auctions, outstanding specimens changed hands for what would be equivalent to several tens of thousands of euros today. Today, the species is called Oncidium alexandrae and is strictly protected as a natural form in Colombia — only artificially propagated specimens are commercially available.
Cool mountain orchids. Location should be bright but without direct sunlight — a north or shaded east window is optimal. In summer, on the north side of the house or in a semi-shaded garden.
The most important factor is temperature — see the next section.
This is the biggest challenge in German homes: the Odontoglossum alliance likes a maximum of 22 °C during the day, ideally below 18 °C at night. Summer heat phases over 25 °C are critical — the plant stops growing and can die.
The substrate should remain evenly moist, never dry out, but also avoid waterlogging. In summer, immerse every 4 to 7 days, less frequently in winter.
Very sensitive to salt — use fertilizer only at a quarter concentration, water with clear water before each fertilization. Regularly rinse with rainwater if using tap water to wash out salt from the substrate.
Brown leaf tips are the classic symptom of fertilizer excess or too calcareous water.
Finer pine bark with a high sphagnum content. Frequent repotting — annually or at the latest every 2 years, as soon as the substrate becomes acidic. More in the substrate guide.
Molecular genetic studies (Chase and colleagues, 2008) have shown that the species grouped in Odontoglossum are more closely related to Oncidium than to each other. The genus was dissolved, and all species were transferred to Oncidium. However, the trade name Odontoglossum persists.
A maximum of 22 °C during the day, ideally 16 to 18 °C at night. Summer heat phases over 25 °C are critical. In normal homes, Odontoglossum culture is hardly feasible without a cool summer quarter.
Usually fertilizer excess or too calcareous water. Halve the fertilizer concentration, rinse with rainwater, and completely remove substrate residues during the next repotting.
Collective term for multi-generic hybrids from Oncidium (formerly Odontoglossum), Miltonia, Brassia, Cochlioda, and Aspasia. Known hybrid genera: Beallara, Burrageara, Vuylstekeara, Wilsonara, Cambria.
Yes, as an artificial propagation — today under the name Oncidium alexandrae. Wild collections are strictly prohibited in Colombia, and trade is limited to in-vitro propagated clones.
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