This exceptional orchid is taking orchids to a new high in popularity. They can be found sitting next to the Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums and Oncidiums in Wallmart, Lowes, K-mart, Home Base, Home Depot and even at your grocery stores! Look for the beautiful ruffled butterfly-shaped blooms on a long, arching inflorescence standing out majestically from the other orchids. This orchid is great for the beginner and is very easy to maintain in the home.
Colmanara hybrids will produce flower spikes two or three times a year with very long inflorescence covered with many blooms as they produce new growth. The size and number of blooms will depend on the hybrid. Many of the flower spikes branch producing over 40 blooms per spike! The colors can be yellow, burgundy, mahogany with bars and stripes, and solid colors.
Grow these hybrids as you would an Oncidium with just a little less light.
Temperature: Night temperatures from 55 to 65 degrees and daytime from 68 to 90 is ideal. As you can see, they have a very wide range of temperature tolerance. Perfect for home growing, if you are comfortable so are they.
Light: Looking for an orchid for low light areas? Surprising enough, these are low to medium light growers. 1000-2000 footcandles is all that is needed to keep them happy. If you start seeing black spots on the leaves, especially the tips, then you are giving them too much light. Keep shaded in the summer and in brighter light during the winter.
Humidity: Maintaining proper humidity is the hardest part of any orchid culture. Like most orchids, Colmanaras like a range of humidity around 50% to 60% which really is not that hard to maintain with the help of humidity trays (a tray filled with rocks and water). Misting in the morning is also enjoyed by your orchid but be sure the leaves are dry by evening. Maintaining proper humidity is the hardest part of any orchid culture.
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