Lace Orchid Oncidium alexandrae
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Odontoglossum alexandrae
- Odontoglossum crispum
- Oncidium alexandrae f. hyperxanthum
- Phonetic Spelling
- on-SID-ee-um al-ex-AN-dray
- Description
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The lace orchid is an epiphytic orchid found primarily in the wet tropics of Columbia in South America. It is a medium size, cold growing species and is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is considered to be the most beautiful and delicate orchid with lace-like flowers, but it is reportedly the most difficult to grow. The leaves are long, narrow, and leathery. The blooms have ruffled edges and a prominent lip. It is often used to breed new hybrid orchids.
This plant requires medium to heavy shade, cool and humid conditions, and must be well-watered. The temperature and humidity requirements make this orchid difficult to grow.
The plant has ovoid to oblong-ovoid pseudobulbs that measure 3 to 4 inches long. The foliage consists of two erect to arching, linear to lanceolate leaves. The tip of the leaves is pointed, and the base of the leaf is folded longways. The flower spike measures up to 20 inches long. The flowers are usually white to pale rose with brownish to reddish spots. The lip is yellow and marked with red lines at the base. The margins are wavy, toothed, or notched. The flower size in 3 to 4 inches wide, and they are displayed on raceme with 8 to 20 blooms. The blooms have a sweet fragrance and bloom mostly in the winter.
The lace orchid is a the perfect selection for an avid orchid collector or enthusiast.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, scale insects, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Overwatering can cause root rot.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Oncidium
- Species:
- alexandrae
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Colombia
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Description:
- The lace orchid produces very tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind in the wild.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Winter
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are delicate and lace-like and are usually white to pale rose with brownish to reddish spots. The lip is yellow and marked with red lines at the base. The margins are wavy, toothed, or notched. The flower size in 3 to 4 inches wide, and they are displayed on raceme with 8 to 20 blooms. The blooms have a sweet fragrance and bloom mostly in the winter.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The green foliage consists of two erect to arching, long, linear to lanceolate leaves. The tip of the leaves is pointed, and the base of the leaf is folded longways.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
