The lace orchid is an epiphytic orchid found primarily in the wet tropics of Columbia in South America. It is a medium size, cold growing species and is a member of the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is considered to be the most beautiful and delicate orchid with lace-like flowers, but it is reportedly the most difficult to grow. The leaves are long, narrow, and leathery. The blooms have ruffled edges and a prominent lip. It is often used to breed new hybrid orchids. This plant requires medium to heavy shade, cool and humid conditions, and must be well-watered. The temperature and humidity requirements make this orchid difficult to grow. The plant has ovoid to oblong-ovoid pseudobulbs that measure 3 to 4 inches long. The foliage consists of two erect to arching, linear to lanceolate leaves. The tip of the leaves is pointed, and the base of the leaf is folded longways. The flower spike measures up to 20 inches long. The flowers are usually white to pale rose with brownish to reddish spots. The lip is yellow and marked with red lines at the base. The margins are wavy, toothed, or notched. The flower size in 3 to 4 inches wide, and they are displayed on raceme with 8 to 20 blooms. The blooms have a sweet fragrance and bloom mostly in the winter. The lace orchid is a the perfect selection for an avid orchid collector or enthusiast. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, scale insects, fungus gnats, and mealybugs. Overwatering can cause root rot. More information on Oncidium .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Maintenance
High
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Leathery
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The green foliage consists of two erect to arching, long, linear to lanceolate leaves. The tip of the leaves is pointed, and the base of the leaf is folded longways.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; White
Flower value
Fragrant; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
The flowers are delicate and lace-like and are usually white to pale rose with brownish to reddish spots. The lip is yellow and marked with red lines at the base. The margins are wavy, toothed, or notched. The flower size in 3 to 4 inches wide, and they are displayed on raceme with 8 to 20 blooms. The blooms have a sweet fragrance and bloom mostly in the winter.
Bloom time
Winter
Fruit detail
The lace orchid produces very tiny seeds that are dispersed by the wind in the wild.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Colombia
Play value
Attractive Flowers
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants
Garden tags
#orchid #epiphytic #non-toxic for cats #non-toxic for horses #non-toxic for dogs #houseplant #green leaves #interesting flowers #difficult to grow #container plant #fragrant flowers #delicate flowers #white flowers