Odcdm. Wild Willie 'Bingo'

This is a wonderful example of a modern Odontocidium hybrid, a cross that brings together the best of two different worlds. In one corner, you have Odontoglossum reichenheimii, a species from the cool, misty mountains of Mexico known for its large, very full flowers. In the other corner, you have Oncidium Wildwood, a hybrid with genetics from warmth-loving Mexican species famous for producing long, branching spikes with an abundance of flowers.

The result of this pairing is a hybrid that gets the best of both. The flowers are large, about two inches across, with a full, well-rounded, star shape. The 'Bingo' cultivar name comes from the vibrant pattern. The sepals and petals have a bright, sunny yellow background, which is heavily overlaid with bold patches and blotches of a rich, warm reddish-brown. The real showstopper, though, is the lip. It's large and brilliant white, serving as the perfect canvas for artistic splashes of burgundy and pale lavender. Adding to the display, the blooms often carry a pleasant, sweet fragrance.

One of the most impressive traits this orchid inherits is its flower spike. It produces a very long, arching, and frequently branching inflorescence capable of displaying a large number of these big, colorful flowers at once. By combining a cool-growing parent with a warm-growing one, the offspring is much more tolerant of intermediate temperatures, making it an easier and more rewarding plant to grow. 

Care Instructions

Light: Provide bright, indirect light, similar to a Cattleya. An east-facing window with some morning sun, or a shaded south or west window is ideal. The leaves should be a medium to light green.

Water: Water thoroughly, allowing the potting medium to approach dryness before watering again. The large pseudobulbs are excellent water storage organs, making the plant somewhat forgiving if you miss a watering, but they are sensitive to staying constantly wet.

Temperature: This hybrid is adaptable and thrives in standard intermediate temperatures, with a preferred range of 60-85°F. It is more tolerant of warmth than its Odontoglossum parent.

Humidity: Moderate humidity of 40-60% is sufficient for healthy growth. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.

Potting Medium: A medium-grade orchid mix consisting of fir bark, charcoal, and perlite is a perfect choice. They are typically vigorous growers and may need repotting every one to two years.