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Reviewed public profile

Hand-Carrying Oncidium, Colombian Buttercup

Oncidium cheirophorum

Oncidium cheirophorum, commonly known as the "Hand-Carrying Oncidium" or "Colombian Buttercup", is a miniature, compact orchid species highly valued for its fragrant, bright yellow flowers and ease of cultivation in smaller spaces. Location: This species is native to Central and South America, with a range spanning from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to Colombia. Elevation: It is a cool to cold-growing epiphyte found in lower montane wet tropical forests at high altitudes, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Environment: In its natural habitat, it often grows on branches of trees where it receives bright light, often in full sun, and high humidity. Plant Size: It is a dwarf species with small, rounded, or pyriform (pear-shaped) pseudobulbs, usually about 1 inch in size. Leaves: The pseudobulbs produce single or twin, narrow, apical leaves that are generally 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) in length. Flower Spike: The plant produces slender, often branched inflorescences (spikes) that can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Flowers: The flowers are small, measuring about 1.5 cm in width, but are produced in large, dense clusters, often with 10 or more flowers per stem. Growth Habit: It is a quick-growing, compact plant that often becomes a "specimen plant" within 2 to 3 years. Fragrance: Flowers are known for a strong, pleasant lemon or honey-like scent. Blooming Season: Usually blooms in the fall and winter, with some reports of blooming in the spring as well.

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Growing profile

At a glance

Plant type
orchid
Size
small 8–15cm
Humidity
60%–80%

Native context

Where it belongs

Countries
Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama
Ecosystems
Dry forest, Moist forest, Wet forest
Elevation
Montane (1,000–2,000 m), Subalpine (2,000–3,000 m)
Flowering
Spring, Autumn, Winter

About this plant

Oncidium cheirophorum, commonly known as the "Hand-Carrying Oncidium" or "Colombian Buttercup", is a miniature, compact orchid species highly valued for its fragrant, bright yellow flowers and ease of cultivation in smaller spaces. Location: This species is native to Central and South America, with a range spanning from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to Colombia. Elevation: It is a cool to cold-growing epiphyte found in lower montane wet tropical forests at high altitudes, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Environment: In its natural habitat, it often grows on branches of trees where it receives bright light, often in full sun, and high humidity. Plant Size: It is a dwarf species with small, rounded, or pyriform (pear-shaped) pseudobulbs, usually about 1 inch in size. Leaves: The pseudobulbs produce single or twin, narrow, apical leaves that are generally 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) in length. Flower Spike: The plant produces slender, often branched inflorescences (spikes) that can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Flowers: The flowers are small, measuring about 1.5 cm in width, but are produced in large, dense clusters, often with 10 or more flowers per stem. Growth Habit: It is a quick-growing, compact plant that often becomes a "specimen plant" within 2 to 3 years. Fragrance: Flowers are known for a strong, pleasant lemon or honey-like scent. Blooming Season: Usually blooms in the fall and winter, with some reports of blooming in the spring as well.

Stable BJURNY record: tx_76f2d4fdbdd94b298bec