The Cambria orchid species is the result of long breeding work and combines the advantages of a wide variety of orchids. The Belgian orchid breeder Vuylstekera was the first to attempt to cross different species. The resulting hybrid thus bears his name in part for this reason. Lush abundance of flowers and robustness are characteristic of the magnificent genus, some of them exude a fine fragrance. As with all orchids, however, it is also important for this species that there is no waterlogging, dryness or blazing sun. Find out everything you need to know about caring for this garden-bred hybrid and how best to get the plants blooming again.
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Interesting facts about Cambria
Botanical name: Cambria hybrids
Other names: Cambria-like orchids, Vuylstekeara Cambria
Use: houseplant,pot plant
Origin: not naturally occurring
Flower colours: the red color is characteristic and is presented with at least one contrasting colour.
Flowering time: Autumn to early summer
. Special features: As different varieties are crossed, the requirements for light, water and temperature vary. A special orchid substrate is required for repotting. Cambria can be seen as a collective term for a group of crossed orchids.
In which location does the Cambria orchid feel most comfortable?
Cambria orchids prefer a bright location with morning and evening sun, direct midday sun is not tolerated. A seat by the window facing east or west is ideal, if possible without direct heating air. Room temperatures of 20 to 24 °C during the day and 18 °C at night are ideal. From the end of May, the beauty can stand outdoors in a sheltered spot. It is important that the location in the garden or on the balcony is not exposed to intense sunlight and is protected from rain. From the beginning of October, the exotic should be back in the house.
Our gardening tip: Staying outdoors and the resulting day-night temperature fluctuations greatly stimulate bud formation.
How do I properly care for my Cambria Orchids after they have bloomed?
Faded flowers are regularly removed. The stalk should remain on the plant until it has completely dried up. Carefully remove the dried stalk with a sharp knife. It is important that the shoots are not crushed. Otherwise, the flowering plant is cared for as before. New shoots come out of the thickening (bulb) at the base of the plant, they are fully grown and capable of flowering after about 9 months. After the pile is up, this is also the best time for transplanting.
Knowledge fact: A pronounced resting phase is not absolutely necessary for this genus. Staying outdoors in summer and the resulting temperature fluctuations between day and night are beneficial for induction. In autumn you can water a little less for 4 to 8 weeks and the plants can be placed in a cooler place. However, make sure it is in a light and sheltered place all year round.
How do I properly water my Cambria?
Water the houseplant regularly with soft, lukewarm water during the growth and flowering phase. Alternatively, you can immerse the orchid once a week, this ensures an even water supply. With both variants, it is important that excess water is poured off and does not stand in the saucer or saucer. The orchid substrate is allowed to dry out a bit before the next watering, but not completely dry out.
Our gardening tip: In winter, much less water is given, especially in cool locations. However, it must be poured so much that the substrate does not dry out. As with other epiphytic species, high humidity is of great importance throughout the year.
How do I properly fertilize my Cambria?
This special feature is optimally supplied with special orchid fertilizer. This ensures that the orchid species is provided with all the necessary nutrients in the correct ratio. During the growth phase, liquid fertilizer can be applied every 2 to 3 weeks. Another option is to use fertilizer sticks. These contain nutrients for 3 months, which they gradually release to the plant. With this convenient solution, the beauty is evenly supplied with orchid fertilizer over a period of 3 months without you having to do anything.
Our gardening tip: From October to March, the orchid is only fertilized every 8 weeks. It is important that only orchid fertilizer is used, because the nutrients in conventional flower fertilizer are too high and not in the optimal ratio.
How do I repot my Cambria Orchids?
It is advisable to transplant the potted plant every 2 to 3 years, because the structure of the orchid soil is unstable and compacted. By repotting, the roots are stimulated to grow and the fragrant orchid will continue to grow better. Only plants that do not currently have a panicle with buds or flowers are repotted. Transplanting takes place in the following steps:
- Submerge the plant. This ensures that the plant is well supplied with water. In addition, the roots loosen better.
- Carefully remove dead roots and old substrate. Protect the healthy roots.
- Put some orchid substrate in the new container and hold the plant in the middle of the pot. Now fill new special substrate around the root network. Normal potting soil is unsuitable because it has insufficient drainage capacity compared to bark substrate.
- Tap the pot on the side so that the substrate is distributed between the roots. However, the roots must not be crushed.
- Watering is not necessary immediately after repotting. You can wait a good 10 days with the first watering. Spraying the leaves with soft water is beneficial during this time.
- As with many other plants, the best time to repot is after flowering.
What Pests and Diseases Can Cambria Orchids Get?
With the right conditions and optimal care, the flowering plant is easy to care for. Avoid dry heating air and waterlogging. The following problems can occur:
Accordion or crease growth
The conspicuous growth deformations on the leaves are due to suboptimal site conditions. Wrinkling cannot be corrected. However, it can be avoided by ideal conditions in terms of light supply, humidity and humidity. Above all, pay attention to a bright place and the right care.
Mealybugs and mealybugs
Both pests should be removed by hand or with tweezers as early as possible. Oil-based agents also help to minimize the pests.
Are you looking for more information about pests and diseases or do you have questions about a plant problem? Our plant doctors will be happy to help you – in person and online!
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the Cambria Orchid
What are bulbs?
These are storage organs for water and nutrients. In many orchid species, leaves and stems sprout from these thickened shoots. It is important that green and full storage organs are not cut off.
How Are Cambria Orchids Propagated?
This type of orchid grows from several branches and can therefore be divided. You should only propagate large specimens with offshoots after they have faded. In the case of small specimens, we recommend avoiding propagation. Plants that have at least 6-8 thickenings (storage organs) are optimally suited.
What can be the reason for a Cambria no longer flowering?
The location is usually not ideal. Staying outdoors is beneficial for planting new buds. From June to September, the day-night fluctuations outdoors are ideal for bud formation. Too low humidity can also be the cause.
What Cambria varieties are there?
The hybrids created by breeding contain over a hundred different genera (multigeneric hybrids). Due to the great diversity of this group, no two varieties are the same: white flowers, red flowers, scented varieties and miniature varieties. Basically, these orchid species are a welcome change in the market in which Phalaenopsis (butterfly orchid) dominates. The best-known variety is ‘Nelly Isler’, its red color is not known from any other orchid.
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