Gomesa Jiaho Queen (Oncidium Sabine Meyer) - pachnące kwiaty

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

Appearance of leaves, flowers and seeds

• Leaves : The leaves are long, lanceolate, medium green , with a smooth texture, typical of orchids in the Oncidium alliance. They are arranged alternately on small, oval pseudobulbs, forming a compact bush.
• Flowers : The flowers are large for the Gomesa genus , about 4 cm , with a unique appearance. The dorsal petals and sepals are dark brown, almost black , with a subtle sheen, while the lateral sepals point downwards, and the labellum is a bright yellow , creating a striking contrast. The shape of the flowers is unusual, with the sepals and petals raised, resembling a dancing silhouette. The inflorescences are arched, 20-30 cm long, bearing 5-15 flowers per stem. Flowering occurs most frequently from May to June , but can vary, sometimes repeating several times in a year. The flowers have a sweet, distinct fragrance , which attracts attention.
• Seeds : Like most cultivated orchids, Gomesa Jiaho Queen rarely produces seed capsules under greenhouse or indoor conditions, these having 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 robust and compact plant.
• Vigor : Moderately fast growth, with new pseudobulbs produced annually. The roots are thick, requiring a well-aerated environment.
• Type : Perennial epiphytic orchid, cultivated 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 , ideal for east or west facing windows. Will tolerate filtered light, but direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Optimal light level is 2000-3000 lumens. Tolerates and appreciates weak morning sun.
• Soil : Grows well in sphagnum moss or a sphagnum-bark orchid mix. The substrate should be aerated and allowed to dry out partially 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 waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Watering should be adjusted according to the substrate and microclimate.
• Temperature : Tolerates intermediate to warm temperatures (18-27°C during the day, 15-20°C at night). Unlike its parent, Gomesa varicosa, it is more heat tolerant, but requires a cooler, 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 may attract mites or aphids in dry conditions. Sensitive to excess water, which can cause rot. Tolerates higher temperatures than other Gomesa, due to hybrid selection.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced orchid fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20), diluted in half , twice a month during the growing season (spring-summer). Suspend fertilization in winter, when the plant goes dormant.
• Pruning : Remove faded inflorescences after flowering to conserve the plant's energy. Do not prune healthy pseudobulbs as they store nutrients.
• Propagation : Propagate by dividing the mature bush , ensuring that each division has a minimum of 3-4 pseudobulbs and healthy roots. Propagation by seeds is rare and complex - requires 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' , with exclusive rights to this clone in Europe. It is a fourth-generation hybrid, with ancestry exclusively from the genus Gomesa, native to the humid coastal forests of Brazil, at altitudes of 450-1200 m.

Height with pot included approx. 40 cm