Habitat and Ecology
 
​Oncidium fuscatum (often traded under the synonym Miltonia warszewiczii) is a large-sized, epiphytic orchid native to Central and South America, with a distribution spanning Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. It is found growing on trees in tropical wet forests and montane cloud forests at a moderate to high range of elevations. This plant is known to thrive in a hot-to-cool growing regime, requiring high humidity and strong air movement in its habitat, often blooming in the spring and autumn months.
 
​Description
 
​This orchid is a sympodial perennial with large, compressed, oblong-cylindrical pseudobulbs that are deeply grooved (sulcate) with age. Each pseudobulb bears a single, apical, leathery leaf. The name fuscatum refers to its dusky or dark colour. The spectacular flowers are borne on a long, branching basal spike (up to 75 cm long) that can carry dozens of blooms. The individual flowers are medium-sized (5 cm wide) and complex, with strongly ruffled/undulate sepals and petals. The colouration is highly variable but typically features a base of creamy-white to pale yellow heavily overlaid or mottled with dark reddish-brown, cinnamon, or purple-brown. The prominent lip is large, often trilobed, and brightly marked with yellow or white. The flowers are fragrant and often resemble a small, ruffled dancing figure.
 
​Cultivation
​Oncidium fuscatum is an intermediate-to-warm growing orchid that demands bright light to flower successfully. It needs bright, filtered light, tolerating some morning direct sun, with insufficient light being the main cause of poor blooming. Use an open, free-draining medium of medium-grade bark, charcoal, and perlite. The plant should be kept evenly moist during active growth (new growths to flowering) but must be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
 
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 21-30 C (70-86 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A small drop is beneficial, ideally 15-18 C (59-64 F).
​High humidity (55-75%) and excellent air circulation are critical to prevent the pseudobulbs from wrinkling and the leaves from spotting. Feed regularly (weekly) during the growing season with a balanced, dilute liquid orchid feed.
 
​Unique Features
​This orchid is a collector's favourite due to its dramatic, arching flower spikes that produce a cascade of numerous, highly colourful and ruffled flowers. Its complex colour patterns and fragrance make it a striking display. The unique challenge of its taxonomy (having been placed in Oncidium, Miltonia, and others) adds to its appeal as a historically important, large-sized specimen plant.
 
​Specifications
​Plant Size: Plants growing on mounts. flowering size as can be seen in the picture
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Oncidium fuscatum B 140084 C [input from plant label] D GB