Kandyan Dancer Orchid (Oncidium sphacelatum) is a perennial orchid that blooms from fall to winter. The colorful, ruffled blooms look like the swirling skirts of dancers. Commonly found growing on trees and rocks in coastal areas and tropical regions. Flowers blossom in long spikes and are yellow with brown accents, offering a stunning display.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Oncidium sphacelatum is a species of orchid ranging from Mexico to Central America and southeastern Venezuela. It is known as Kandyan Dancer Orchid or Dancing Lady Orchid in Sri Lanka due to its resemblance to a Kandyan dancer.
This orchid is commonly referred to as the “Dancing Lady Orchid” due to the distinctive shape of its flowers, which resemble a fluttering skirt. The flowers are usually bright yellow with brown markings, and they grow in large, branching sprays that can create a stunning floral display. This species blooms prolifically, often producing long-lasting flowers that can add a vibrant touch to any environment.
II. How to Grow and Care
Kandyan Dancer Orchids are considered easy to care for, requiring bright indirect light and consistent moisture without waterlogging. Special care includes ensuring high humidity and avoiding exposure to cold drafts, which can damage the delicate flowers and foliage.
Sunlight
Kandyan Dancer Orchid flourishes best under conditions of partial sun exposure, wherein it receives bright, indirect light for several hours, replicating its natural understory habitat. Although capable of tolerating full sun, excessive direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorch or stunted growth, potentially impacting its vibrant bloom. The plant exhibits adaptive behaviors, such as altering leaf orientation, to mitigate intense light. For indoor cultivation, kandyan Dancer Orchid should be placed near east or south-facing windows to achieve the ideal light balance. Outdoors, it prospers when positioned in dappled shade, ensuring sufficient light for healthy growth and optimal flowering.
Temperature
Orchid plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions, preferring warm, moist conditions. Optimum growth temperatures are between 18 to 28 ℃, and it’s best if there is a certain difference in temperature between day and night: for example, 20 to 25 ℃ during the day and 15 to 18 ℃ at night. Kandyan Dancer Orchid is a drought-tolerant plant, but cannot tolerate waterlogging, and grows well at 50-70% humidity. If the leaf tips are withered, it means the environment is too dry. Use a humidifier or spray bottle to increase the air humidity.
Watering
Originating from the humid environments of Central America, kandyan Dancer Orchid thrives in moisture-rich conditions, echoing its rainforest heritage. This species exhibits a preference for consistent humidity and is moderately drought-tolerant. Care should involve watering twice a week to mimic its natural habitat’s water cycle. As an epiphytic orchid commonly grown indoors, kandyan Dancer Orchid benefits greatly from regular misting to maintain ambient humidity levels, which supports its lush flowering potential.
Soil
The “soil” required for kandyan Dancer Orchid is special because, as an epiphyte, it originally grew on big trees in tropical forests. You need to mimic this growing environment with, for example, water moss, wood chips, coconut shells, volcanic stones, or perlite as soil substrate. You can also buy orchid-specific soil directly from gardening stores.
Fertilizing
For kandyan Dancer Orchid, opt for high phosphorus fertilizers to bolster flowering. Apply a diluted solution (quarter strength) fortnightly during active growth; in winter, reduce to monthly. Over-fertilizing can harm kandyan Dancer Orchid, so follow guidelines. Adjust fertilization to accommodate energy shifts as kandyan Dancer Orchid transitions through growth and dormancy cycles, ensuring optimum nutrient uptake year-round for vigor and bloom enhancement. Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn and ensure even nutrient distribution.
Planting Instructions
You do not need a large pot to grow a kandyan Dancer Orchid as it won’t produce a vigorous root system that occupies much space. If the pot is too large, the soil tends to collect water and cause root rot. The height of the pot should be 2.5 cm taller than the (pseudo)bulb of the kandyan Dancer Orchid. You can easily buy kandyan Dancer Orchid in a local gardening store and simply place it in a breathable, well-drained substrate. After planting, use upright sticks to support flowering branches. In warm, humid climates, cover the root of kandyan Dancer Orchid with sphagnum moss and attach them to a tree with strings.
Pruning
It is best to prune wilted kandyan Dancer Orchid flowers promptly after blooming to reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption and promote more blooms. Trim withered and diseased leaves promptly to increase air circulation, thus reducing pests and diseases.
Propagation
Kandyan Dancer Orchid is a tropical orchid known for its vibrant yellow and brown flowers, resembling a dancer in mid-motion. To propagate kandyan Dancer Orchid, divide the pseudobulbs ensuring each section retains a portion of the healthy root system. Division is best done during repotting when the orchid has outgrown its container. New growth will typically emerge from the base of the pseudobulbs. Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer to support the growth of new shoots. Maintain high humidity and indirect light for optimal development.
Transplanting
Relocate kandyan Dancer Orchid in the gentle warmth of mid-to-late spring or the onset of summer, ensuring a blend of bright light and partial shade. Tenderly shift kandyan Dancer Orchid, favoring high humidity and good airflow for thriving post-transplant growth.
III. Harvesting and Storage
If you want to display kandyan Dancer Orchid flowers in vases, harvest there are only 2-3 flowers blooming on the stem. Cut diagonally at the bottom of the flower stem, and place it in a vase immediately. You can enjoy the cut flower in clean water for about 14 days, or for a longer time with preservatives.