Variations in Flowering Characteristics of Oncidium Intergeneric Hybrid Orchids

Oncidium intergeneric hybrid orchids are popular potted flowering plants available in a huge selection of versatile colors and shapes. Twelve varieties of Oncidium intergeneric orchids were selected for potential as cut flowers and evaluated for flowering characteristics. Six month old propagules were grown in a saran greenhouse with fertigation based on recommended farm practices. Seasonal flowering behavior and flowering characteristics were assessed from October 2012 to September 2013. The majority of varieties produced flower spikes during the months of July and August, while a few varieties generated flower spikes randomly throughout the year. The maximum number of flower spikes produced per month varied by variety, ranging from 2 to 8 spikes per pot. The number of days from spike emergence to anthesis of the first flower also greatly varied by variety. Similarly, the duration from the first to the last flower opening along the spike ranged from 4 to 23 days. The large variation in seasonal flowering, and in the pattern of flower opening suggest that there is good potential to identify suitable varieties of Oncidium intergenerics for cut flower production.