Odontoglossum Orchids: A Comprehensive Guide to the 'Tooth & Tongue' Orchid

Odontoglossum Orchid

Odontoglossum Orchid

The genus Odontoglossum contains about 300 diverse species of orchids that grow from Mexico to Bolivia. The name comes from “odonto; tooth,” and “glossa; tongue,” and refers to the toothlike projections on the tonguelike lip.

Odontoglossum orchid

Odontoglossum orchids are mostly epiphytic. The flattened, egg-shaped pseudobulbs have one to three narrow leaves. The flowers vary greatly in size and are long-lasting. The waxy, yellow, brown splotched flowers on Odontoglossum grande are six inches in diameter. The flowers bloom between fall and spring.

Odontoglossum generally do best when the roots are tightly confined. Cool temperatures are preferred, but some will grow in intermediate temperatures. Give them filtered to bright light, but protect them from sunburn during the summer. They need high humidity, excellent drainage, and even moisture.

Orchid Types

Anguloa Uniflora OrchidLycaste OrchidAnota violacea, Rhynchostylis violacea OrchidMaxillaria Houtteana Orchid
Ascocentrum Curvifolium Orchid
Miltonia Orchid
Brassavola Orchid
Odontoglossum Orchid
Bulbophyllum Lobbii Orchid
Oncidium Orchid
Cattleya Orchid
Paphiopedilum Orchid
Chysis Laevis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Cycnoches Loddigesii Orchid
Pleurothallis Orchid
Cymbidum Orchid
Renanthera Brookie Chandler Orchid
Dendrobium Orchid
Rhynchostylis Coelestis Orchid
Doritis Orchid
Rodriguezia Secunda Orchid
Epidendrum Orchid
Sophronitella Violacea Orchid
Laelia Orchid
Stanhopea Orchid
Lokhartia Oerstedii Orchid

Vanda Orchid

Learn how to grow orchids:

• Orchid Vocabulary
• Temperature Requirements of Orchids
• Light Requirements of Orchids
• Watering Orchids
• Potting Orchids
• Fertilizing Orchids
• Orchid Care
• Propagating Orchids
• Types of Orchids
• House Plants
• Gardening