Oncidium orchids are the most popular indoor orchids around due to the fact that they produce dozens of beautiful flowers during their peak growth season.
There are also dozens of different species to choose from.
The proliferation of the plant across the continents has allowed it to cross-pollinate efficiently.
Because of the sheer number of oncidium species, even botanists have a hard time classifying the plants.
There is often some confusion when it comes to naming the various specimens of oncidium species.
One of the things that separate this species from other plant species and other orchid species is that they freely cross-pollinate and create hybrids with other orchids.
This allows orchid keepers and enthusiasts to create beautiful hybrids if they wish.
While these plants can be grown outside of your home, the most common oncidium specimens can be grown quite well inside your home as well.
Pseudo bulbs can be seen growing from the complex network of roots.
The roots of the oncidium variety, as opposed to other popular orchids, are thin and can break easily if not handled properly.
The leaves of the common oncidium species can grow really big (up to two feet).
The flowers usually start emerging during the fall season in temperate zones.
In the tropical zones, oncidium orchids tend to grow after the rainy season.
Oncidiums are generally tolerant of heavy sunlight (direct light) - even more so than other popular variants, like the phalaenopsis orchid.
Unlike other orchids, you do not have to place the orchids in the shade to protect them from the morning rays - they can handle the heat and light quite well.
Also, they actually bloom better if they are exposed to heavy sunlight quite often.
If you want to compare the light requirement of oncidiums, you can look at the basic light requirement of dendrobium plants.
Like other sun-loving orchid species, oncidiums enjoy a lot of moisture.
So if you plan to keep some oncidiums at home, be ready to water your oncidiums at least once every other day, especially during the heavy growing season.
Again, the growing season in temperate zones is usually during the fall season, so once you see the leaves of the plant browning, give your oncidiums plenty of water to facilitate the growth of the flowers.
Well tended oncidiums can produce a lot of flower.
So much so, that often, the stems of the oncidium are pulled down by the weight of the newly grown flowers.
Since you will be giving your oncidiums plenty of water, make sure that the drainage system works well to prevent water from accumulating in the plants.
Also, the media that you will be using should also be prepared well in advance so it will serve its purpose of storing and conveying the much needed moisture to the fragile root network of the oncidiums.