So I picked up two of these for my birthday two years ago now. The first year I had … nothing. The second year I had one long beautiful shoot 5 to 6 feet long on one plant. I was very happy about the bloom but was concerned for the second plant not producing thinking maybe one location was better than the other. This year now I was blessed with three shoots. The shoots take two to three months to grow to full length and another month to start blooming. It’s definitely a highly anticipated bloom once they come. They last about a month as well. I was highly excited with the results. I’m very excited about these plants and claim them for my negligent success. These plants are classified as Oncidiums. Here is a quick blurb about them from Google AI.
The two types of orchids I picked up from this grower Banjong Orchids in Homestead have been a huge success. I’m itching for an opportunity travel back down and pick up others 🙂 I highly recommend going there if you get the chance. The other one, the Indigo, which is in bloom again as well.
Oncidium Tropic Breeze ‘Everglades’ (correctly classified as an intergeneric hybrid under Wilsonara or Wilhelmara) is a highly celebrated, warmth-tolerant orchid hybrid famous for producing massive, cascading “dancing lady” floral displays. Originally registered in 1985 and bred by Milton Carpenter of Everglades Orchids, this specific ‘Everglades’ clone has earned a prestigious Highly Commended Certificate (HCC/AOS) from the American Orchid Society. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Appearance & Blooms
Massive Flower Spikes: A single mature pseudobulb can launch heavily branched flower spikes ranging from 4 to 9 feet tall.
- Dancing Lady Flowers: It can produce dozens to hundreds of flowers on a single inflorescence. The flowers are a striking combination of bronze-maroon petals paired with a bright yellow lip.
- Sweet Fragrance: The blooms emit a very noticeable, pleasing honeysuckle or subtle vanilla-like scent.
- Impressive Foliage: The plant develops huge pseudobulbs and long, thick green leaves, often likened to “an anthurium on steroids”.
Growth & Care Instructions
Unlike more finicky orchids, this hybrid is remarkably forgiving and robust. It thrives particularly well outdoors in mild winter or subtropical climates like South Florida. [1, 2, 3]
- Light: Requires bright indirect light to partial direct morning sun. Thicker leaves allow it to tolerate higher light intensities than other varieties. [1, 2]
- Temperature: Prefers intermediate to warm conditions. It tolerates daytime temperatures between 80°F and 95°F if provided with adequate air movement. [1, 2]
- Watering: Water thoroughly, but allow the potting medium to dry out at least halfway (or completely) before watering again. This typically means watering every 2 to 10 days depending on climate and pot size. [1, 2]
- Potting Media: Best grown in coarse, fast-draining media like coconut husk chips mixed with charcoal, or mounted on wooden slabs. [1, 2]
