Odcdm. Everglades Elegance 'Nancy Lee' HCC/AOS

The captivating Odcdm. Everglades Elegance 'Nancy Lee' HCC/AOS is a sophisticated intergeneric hybrid, recognized for its exceptional quality with an awarded Highly Commended Certificate (HCC) from the American Orchid Society (AOS). This orchid produces tall, graceful inflorescences adorned with numerous star-shaped flowers. The blooms feature a complex color pattern, typically presenting a blend of striking maroon or deep reddish-brown markings set against a vibrant yellow background on the petals and sepals. The lip is often broader and may exhibit a lighter shade of yellow with fine contrasting speckles. The plant maintains a moderate size, developing slender pseudobulbs and attractive, light green foliage.

Quick Start Summary:

Light: Bright, indirect light; comparable to Cattleyas, avoiding harsh direct midday sun.

Temps: Intermediate; prefer daytime highs between 70 F and 80 F, and nighttime lows around 60 F to 65 F.

Water: Water thoroughly just as the media begins to dry out; allow for a brief drying period between waterings.

Humidity: Moderate humidity is best, ideally between 50 percent and 60 percent.

Fertilizer: Apply a diluted, balanced orchid fertilizer consistently during periods of active growth.

Media: A fine-grade fir bark mix or a mix incorporating sphagnum moss and perlite for moisture retention while maintaining excellent drainage.

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

The Odcdm. Everglades Elegance group is a result of crossing Odontocidium and Oncidium genera, a breeding strategy aimed at combining the cold tolerance and intricate patterns of the Odontocidium alliance with the vigor and free-flowering nature of Oncidium. The cultivar 'Nancy Lee' received its HCC/AOS award for its excellent form and color presentation, confirming its status as a high-quality selection. These hybrids are favored for their ease of growth and ability to produce long-lasting, showy flower spikes, bringing a piece of the Floridian hybridizing tradition to the collector's environment.

🌿 How to Grow Odcdm. Everglades Elegance 'Nancy Lee'

Light: Provide bright, filtered light. This means the plant should receive plenty of light without being subjected to direct, hot sun, which can quickly burn the leaves. An east-facing window or a slightly shaded south or west window works well. Sufficient light encourages the formation of strong pseudobulbs, which are necessary for producing long, sturdy flower spikes.

Temps: Maintain intermediate temperatures. The ideal range is daytime temperatures from 70 F to 80 F, dropping to a cool night temperature of 60 F to 65 F. This slight diurnal temperature difference is beneficial for the overall health and flower initiation of the plant. Protect the orchid from temperatures below 55 F, which can cause chilling injury.

Water: Water generously as the potting media becomes nearly dry. These orchids do not like to dry out completely for long periods, but they also cannot tolerate consistently soggy media. The frequency will depend on your media choice and environment; typically every 4 to 6 days. When watering, saturate the media until water flows freely from the drain holes, ensuring all roots receive moisture.

Humidity: A humidity level of 50 percent to 60 percent is sufficient for this hybrid. Adequate air movement must be maintained at all times, especially in higher humidity, to prevent water from sitting on the new growths and pseudobulbs, which can lead to rot. Using a fan for gentle air circulation is a good practice.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half or a quarter strength every time you water during periods of active growth, or every second watering. If using a high-nitrogen fertilizer (like 30-10-10), switch to a bloom-booster fertilizer (high in phosphorus, like 10-30-20) as the new pseudobulbs mature to encourage flowering. Flush the pot with plain water once a month to prevent salt buildup.

Media: Repot Odcdm. Everglades Elegance 'Nancy Lee' HCC/AOS when the new growth reaches the pot edge or when the media has decomposed, generally every year or two. Use a fine-grade bark mix or a mix designed for Oncidium-type orchids that drains quickly but holds some moisture. Plant the newest growth close to the edge of the pot, allowing room for future pseudobulbs.

Offered in 4" pots.