Uncovering the trend and history of Oncidium

Oncidium Orchids are loved by many for their beautiful patterns and diverse shapes. Over the past century, they have become a focal point of admiration, much like the tulip craze in the Netherlands centuries ago. From Europe to Hawaii and Taiwan, breeders worldwide have been working to create more beautiful and adaptable varieties.

Natural Habitat

In Central and South America, the native habitat of Oncidium orchids is typically tropical rainforests, ranging in altitude, where they grow epiphytically on trees or on rocks. Spanish explorers first discovered these captivating flowers during their expeditions and brought them back to Europe, sparking the interest of botanists and collectors.

The Early European Origins of Oncidium: Odontoglossum

The Oncidium craze began in 19th-century Europe, when orchids became prized possessions of European aristocrats and botanists. The first Oncidium species was formally named by Swedish botanist Olof Swartz in 1800. The name "Oncidium" is derived from the Greek word "onkos," meaning "swelling," referring to the prominent part of the lip of the flower.

From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, as more new species were discovered, the hybridization of Oncidium orchids became increasingly popular. These hybrid varieties gained great popularity due to their unique shapes and colors.

The Relationship Between Odontoglossum and Oncidium and Their Classification History

The Oncidium and Odontoglossum orchids have historically been closely related. The genus Odontoglossum, first described by John Lindley in 1833, derives its name from the Greek words "odon" (tooth) and "glossa" (tongue), referring to the tooth-like projections on the lip of the flower. Many Odontoglossum species are noted for their more intricate flowers and patterns.

As taxonomy advanced, many species of Odontoglossum were reclassified into the Oncidium genus, based on molecular genetics and morphological studies. Oncidium was first described by Olof Swartz in 1800, and its flowers are diverse in shape and color, widely distributed across Central and South America.

Both genera are frequently used in hybridization to create many new varieties. For example, red hybrid varieties often result from crosses between Cochlioda and Odontoglossum, and these hybrids are highly popular on the market. These hybrids not only retain the beautiful flower shape of Odontoglossum but also introduce the heat-resistant traits of Oncidium, making them adaptable to a wider range of growing environments.

The Rise of Red and Yellow

Initially, Oncidium breeding focused on the white-flowered Odontoglossum. However, with the introduction of the fiery red Cochlioda noezliana, the world of Oncidium orchids was reinvigorated. In 1904, the first hybrid between Odontoglossum and Cochlioda, named Odontioda, was born. Odontioda Vuylstekeae, with its white flowers and striking red and pink spots, stunned the world and showcased the power of contrasting colors, sparking a breeding craze for red varieties.

 

 

  

The Mathers Foundation was established in 2019 and focuses on orchid conservation and research. Located in West Sussex, it boasts a rich collection, including Oncidium and Odontoglossum orchids. The foundation provides publications, catalogs, and behind-the-scenes content. They also hold open days and events. For more details, you can visit their website.

https://orchid.foundation/

 

With breeders diving deeper into genetics, they started utilizing the red genes of Cochlioda to create more vibrant red varieties. This successful breeding of red varieties further enriched the color and diversity of Oncidium orchids.

The development of yellow flowers also had its unique journey, as early yellow Odontoglossum flowers were often dull in color and prone to fading. However, in 1955, the introduction of Odontoglossum Golden Guinea changed the game, featuring vibrant, fade-resistant yellow flowers and becoming a breakthrough in yellow-flowered varieties.

The yellowing form of Odontoglossum, particularly the rare variants with egg-yellow spots on white flowers, also began to receive attention. Breeders began using these variants for crossbreeding to create many new color varieties.

Challenges of Compact Flower Forms

With the rise in hybrid Oncidium varieties, breeders faced new challenges: these large plants were not well-suited for small spaces at home. New species like Odontoglossum bictoniense and Oncidium tigrinum emerged, creating beautiful and easy-to-manage compact varieties. Odontoglossum Anneliese Rothenberger and Oncidium Tiger Butter are examples of these successful varieties.

 

 

The Rise of Tissue Culture

Driven by commercial demand, tissue culture technology revolutionized the orchid market. In the past, rare orchids were expensive and hard to obtain. Now, thanks to tissue culture technology, hybrid varieties can be mass-produced, making them more accessible. Below are some key historical milestones:

• 1949: Vacin and Went developed a nutrient solution suitable for orchid seed germination, laying the foundation for later tissue culture techniques.
  
  
• 1960: French scientist Georges Morel developed a method for sterile tissue culture, allowing the production of contamination-free orchids.
  
  
• 1970s: Especially in Southeast Asia, as tissue culture technology matured, commercial laboratories began mass-producing a wide variety of orchids.
  
  

Pursuing Heat Resistance

Visionary breeder W.W. Goodale Moir realized the need to adapt Oncidium hybrids to warmer climates. He worked to introduce heat resistance into the Oncidium breeding program, creating hybrids that could thrive in a broader temperature range. Beallara Tahoma Glacier (Mtssa. Cartagena x Oda. Alaskan Sunset), with its large white flowers and dark spots, is a successful example. This variety was also mass-produced via tissue culture, bringing its beauty to warmer climates and offering it an opportunity to be discovered in subtropical and tropical regions.

Beyond the Mainstream

The Oncidiinae subtribe is one of the most diverse groups in the orchid family, containing thousands of different species. These flowers are known for their diverse flower shapes and colors and are highly popular among breeders. Oncidiinae orchids are frequently involved in intergeneric hybridization, resulting in many unique hybrid varieties. These hybrids not only retain the advantages of the parent species but also introduce new traits, such as heat resistance and more vibrant flower colors. Genera like Rossioglossum, Tolumnia, Psychopsis, and Ada aurantiaca demonstrate the possibilities and genetic traits of these hybrids.

The Future of Oncidium Breeding

The history and context of plant breeding are a testament to human intelligence and our appreciation for beauty. From Europe’s grand greenhouses to Hawaii’s heat-resistant breeding programs, and Taiwan’s thriving orchid industry, breeders continue to push the boundaries of possibility. With continued improvements in hybridization techniques, classic Oncidium species are being integrated with heat-resistant genes, driving changes in the entire flower industry. As climate change impacts our world, we can take pride in our continued achievements in breeding.

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References:

1. Oncidium Orchids: Meet the Dancing Lady Orchids - Orchid Republic
2. Oncidium Orchids - History & Locations | Orchids In Print
3. Yellow Oncidium Orchid - Top 5 Species - How to revive an orchid 
4. CARING FOR ONCIDIUM ORCHIDS: TIPS & INFORMATION - Odom's Orchids, Inc.
5. Odontoglossum | Description & Cultivation | Britannica
6. Oncidium Alexandrae | McBean's Orchids