Cambria
A common characteristic of all Cambria type orchids (which they share with many other orchids) is that they have pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs (pseudo = Greek for false) are modified stems (not true bulbs like in onions etc.) that serve as storage organs for water and nutrients. Pseudobulbs are present in orchids that experience periods of drought in their natural habitats. Cambrias are mostly hybrids so they do not occur naturally.
Given the right care, they will last for many years and they will become large plants with more flower stems every year. In many cases when they have more than eight healthy and green pseudobulbs they could be divided.
They are mostly cool-growing orchids with an ideal range of 12 to 21oC, so you need to make sure they are kept in a cool environment. Spare rooms or windowsills away from radiators are ideal for them.
They require good light but not direct sunlight in the spring and summer months. South facing windowsills will be ideal in the winter. You can ensure they receive plenty of light by placing the plant with its new growth facing outside. East or west-facing windowsills would be good when the sun starts getting stronger in spring.
The bark should be kept moist during the growing season and the plants should be watered sparingly in the winter when they hardly grow at all. Use rainwater if possible, and bring to room temperature for best results.
Like all orchids, they will benefit from high humidity so we recommend spraying them with Orchid Myst (which also provides nutrition) or rainwater two to three times a week.
Feed with a specialist feed such as Orchid Focus Grow with every other watering throughout the year at the recommended rate. For best results also spray with Orchid Myst regularly.
After flowering has finished cut off the stem at the bottom, as they will not re-flower on the same stem as Phalaenopsis can do. Cambria type orchids will flower once a year, sometimes more, and to get them to re-flower they need to develop good new shoots after flowering. It is these new shoots that will produce new flowers.
If you buy a Cambria in coir (looks and feels like peat but more coarse) it is best to repot it as soon as it stops flowering as bark is far better as a growing medium in the house environment in this country.
Normally they need repotting every two years in a slightly larger pot that can accommodate the next two year’s growth. They are best repotted in the spring after flowering when you can see the new roots but they are not big enough to damage.
Like all orchids you need to use a good quality, peat-free, bark repotting mix such as Orchid Focus Repotting Mix Peat Free and avoid any ‘peat-based’ mix, any compost or soil.
Although they are normally sold in white pots it would be advantageous to repot them in clear pots so you can see the root system. Any pot you use needs to have plenty of large holes for drainage and ideally a dome for aeration.
For a guide to repotting please click on the relevant link below:
Red marks on the leaves, white spots and/or a light yellow leaf colour
The most likely cause is that the plant is receiving too much light and it is best removed to less bright conditions.
No flowering
If the plant does not flower at least once a year it the problem is normally either temperature or light. Cambria types require cool temperatures and bright conditions so adjust the environment.
Shrivelled pseudobulbs
Some shrivelling especially on old pseudobulbs is natural. In severe cases or where there are many shrivelled pseudobulbs then check the roots.
If the roots are brown and mushy then the likely cause is overwatering which has damaged the roots so the plant cannot take up water. The plant should not be watered for a while (but spray it regularly with Orchid Myst or water to reduce water loss) and thereafter sparingly. Only resume watering when new roots can be seen.
If the roots are dry then the shrivelling is the result of severe under-watering. Water the plant, spray with Orchid Myst or water regularly and adjust future waterings.
Small brown raised spots on the leaves
They are most likely to be scaly insects. Remove with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirit and wipe the leaves clean regularly to prevent an infestation. Additionally, spray with SB Plant Invigorator as per instructions.
White ‘threads’ on the leaves and/or white fluffy insects in the plant crevices
They are most likely mealybugs. Remove with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirit and wipe the leaves clean regularly to prevent an infestation. Additionally, spray with SB Plant Invigorator as per instructions. After the first signs spray at least four times every four days to kill off any remaining insects.
Click here to download a leaflet - Making the Most of Your Orchids.
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