Popcorn Orchid Oncidium sphacelatum
Previously known as:
- Oncidium schrautianum
- Phonetic Spelling
- on-SID-dee-um spass-el-LAH-tum
- Description
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The popcorn orchid is a tropical, epiphytic herbaceous perennial in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is native across a wide area from Mexico to northern South America. The species epithet is Latin for “having brown speckling or spotting.”
Provide a coarse to medium, bark-based orchid potting medium that allows for good aeration and drainage. They grow bright, indirect light, such as a south- or east-facing window. They need high humidity (above 60%) and good air circulation. When in active growth, the popcorn orchid should be watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out before watering again. That means a plant may need water no more than once a week, depending on conditions. During the winter, when they are not growing, they can be watered less frequently. During dormancy, they are very tolerant of drought. Fertilize during the growing season with orchid fertilizer mixed in water according to instructions on the label.
The flowers of the popcorn orchid are small, but they are produced in profusion, on arching panicles that may be three or more feet long. The yellow and brown flowers are showy and mildly fragrant.
This plant can grow very large, outgrowing a windowsill, but it makes an excellent greenhouse subject. It can spend its summers outdoors.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: These orchids have few problems. They are generally not affected by pests, but watch for mealybugs or spider mites. Insufficient light results in poor flowering.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
![Many small yellow flowers with brown spots.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Oncidium_sphacelatum_QGBR5Pg1HgVJ.jpeg)
![Spray of yellow orchids with brown bars on their petals.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/Oncidium_sphacelatum_ZH60SZNhRLgg.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Oncidium_sphacelatum_stMEUtLc0nfh.jpeg)
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/eit-planttoolbox-prod/media/images/thumb_sm/Oncidium_sphacelatum_FHzkLMEGwPK0.jpeg)
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Oncidium
- Species:
- sphacelatum
- Family:
- Orchidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Mexico, Central America, Venezuela
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Epiphyte
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Dense
- Spreading
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Cultural Conditions:
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Many fragrant bright yellow flowers with brown blotches cascade on panicles up to 5 feet long (but usually about 3 feet). Individual flowers are about 1 inch wide.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are strappy and produced around water-storing pseudobulbs.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Specimen