Odcdm. Catatante 'Sun King'

Get ready for some sunshine! The Odontocidium (or now, how we typically classify them, Oncidium intergenerics) Catatante 'Sun King' is a dazzling hybrid that brings together some truly beautiful orchids. To understand this ray of light, let's trace its lineage.

This captivating orchid is a cross between Odcdm. Crowborough and Odcdm. Bittersweet. Now, tracing it back to the species can be a bit of a fascinating journey, but know that its ancestry includes popular genera like Oncidium, Odontoglossum, and Miltonia. These are genera well-known for their vibrant colors and often intricate patterns.

The 'Sun King' lives up to its name with a spectacular display of golden-yellow flowers. The petals and sepals are typically a brilliant, unblemished yellow, often with a slight waxy texture that catches the light beautifully. The labellum (the "lip" of the orchid) is usually a rich, solid yellow, sometimes with a subtle orange flush at the throat, making it truly pop. The flowers are typically 2 to 3 inches across, held on tall, arching inflorescences that can carry a dozen or more blooms, creating a delightful spray of sunshine. While not strongly fragrant, some individuals may detect a very light, pleasant scent, especially on warm days. The blooming season for 'Sun King' often spans from late winter through spring, bringing a welcome burst of color when many other things are still waking up.

The foliage of Odcdm. Catatante 'Sun King' is typical for many Oncidium-alliance hybrids. The pseudobulbs are plump and ovoid, about 2 to 3 inches tall, spaced along a creeping rhizome. Each pseudobulb bears one or two relatively thin, lanceolate leaves, which are typically a medium green color, growing to about 10 to 15 inches long. The overall height of the plant, including the flower spike, can reach 2 to 3 feet, making it a noticeable presence in any growing area. This particular clone, 'Sun King', has received an Award of Merit (AM) from the American Orchid Society, a testament to its exceptional floriferousness and outstanding flower quality.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Think of a sunny window with a sheer curtain, or a spot where it gets dappled sunlight for most of the day. Too little light and it won't bloom; too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
• Water: When the potting mix is nearly dry, it's time to water thoroughly. Allow good drainage and avoid letting the pot sit in standing water. During active growth and flowering, they appreciate more frequent watering; reduce slightly during cooler, less active periods.
• Temperature: These are generally intermediate growers. Aim for daytime temperatures between 65 and 80°F, with a night drop to 55 to 65°F. They can tolerate slightly warmer or cooler temperatures for short periods but thrive within this range.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity is appreciated, ideally between 50% and 70%. Good air circulation is essential, especially with higher humidity, to prevent fungal issues.
• Potting Medium: A well-draining medium is key. A mix of fine to medium bark, perlite, and perhaps some sphagnum moss works well. Repot when the medium breaks down or the plant outgrows its pot, typically every 1 to 2 years.