Gomesa Jiaho Queen (Oncidium Sabine Meyer) - flores perfumadas

Gomesa Jiaho Queen, also known as Oncidium 'Sabine Meyer' in certain regions (for example, at Meyer Orchids in Switzerland), is a hybrid orchid from the Orchidaceae family, registered in 2018 by Jia Ho Orchids from Taiwan. It is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Gomesa Mulattas' Dancing with Gomesa varicosa, classified as Gomesa, although sometimes marketed under the name Oncidium due to recent taxonomic reorganizations. This cultivar is renowned for its spectacular flowers, with a dramatic contrast between vibrant yellow and dark brown-black, resembling a bumblebee, and for its compact size, making it ideal for collectors and indoor gardens. It has received prestigious awards, including the FCC/AOS (First Class Certificate from the American Orchid Society) and the GM/TOGA (Gold Medal from the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association).

Appearance of leaves, flowers, and seeds

• Leaves: The leaves are long, lance-shaped, of a medium green color, with a smooth texture, typical for orchids in the Oncidium alliance. They are arranged alternately on small, oval pseudobulbs, forming a compact clump.
• Flowers: The flowers are large for the Gomesa genus, about 4 cm, with a unique appearance. The petals and dorsal sepals are dark brown, almost black, with a subtle shine, while the lateral sepals curve downward, and the lip is a bright yellow, creating a striking contrast. The flower shape is unusual, with raised sepals and petals resembling a dancing silhouette. The inflorescences are arching, 20-30 cm long, bearing 5-15 flowers per stem. Blooming occurs more frequently from May to June, but can vary, sometimes repeating several times a year. The flowers have a sweet, distinct fragrance that draws attention.
• Seeds: Like most cultivated orchids, Gomesa Jiaho Queen rarely produces seed capsules under greenhouse or indoor conditions, and these have no ornamental relevance.

Growth characteristics

• Height and width: It is a compact orchid, reaching 40-50 cm in height (including the inflorescence) and 15-25 cm in width. The pseudobulbs and roots form a sturdy and compact plant.
• Vigor: Moderately fast growth, with new pseudobulbs produced annually. The roots are thick, requiring a well-aerated environment.
• Type: A perennial epiphytic orchid, grown in controlled environments (greenhouses, display cases, indoors) or outdoors in tropical climates, due to specific humidity and light requirements.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers bright indirect light, ideally at east- or west-facing windows. It tolerates filtered light, but direct sunlight can burn the leaves. The optimal light level is 2000-3000 lumens. It also tolerates and appreciates gentle morning sun.
• Soil: Grows well in sphagnum moss or a mix of sphagnum with orchid bark. The substrate must be airy and allow partial drying between waterings.
• Watering: Water regularly, keeping the substrate moist but allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings (usually every 5-7 days, depending on conditions). Avoid water stagnation, which can lead to root rot. Watering should be adjusted according to substrate and microclimate.
• Temperature: Tolerates moderate to warm temperatures (18-27°C by day, 15-20°C by night). Unlike its parent Gomesa varicosa, it is more heat tolerant but requires a cooler and drier period (cold season) to stimulate flowering.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60-90%). In dry climates, use water trays or humidifiers to maintain an optimal environment.

Care and resistance

• Resistance: Resistant to most pests but can attract mites or aphids in dry conditions. Sensitive to excess water, which can cause rot. Tolerates higher temperatures better than other Gomesa due to hybrid selection.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20), diluted to half strength, twice a month during the growing season (spring-summer). Suspend fertilizing in winter when the plant rests.
• Pruning: Remove faded inflorescences after blooming to conserve the plant’s energy. Do not cut healthy pseudobulbs, as they store nutrients.
• Propagation: Propagated by dividing mature clumps, ensuring each division has at least 3-4 pseudobulbs and healthy roots. Seed propagation is rare and complex—requiring laboratory conditions.

Origin

Created by Jia Ho Orchids in Taiwan, Gomesa Jiaho Queen was registered in 2018 and quickly gained international recognition. In Switzerland, Meyer Orchids marketed it under the name Oncidium 'Sabine Meyer', holding exclusive rights for this clone in Europe. It is a fourth-generation hybrid, with ancestors exclusively from the Gomesa genus, native to the humid coastal forests of Brazil, at altitudes of 450-1200 m.

Height with pot included approx. 40 cm