Colmanara Painter Tropicjungle

Colmanaras are intergeneric hybrids containing three different orchid genera: Miltonia x Odontoglossum x Oncidium.

This specific hybrid is trademarked by the "Tropichouse Holding BV". Tropichouse people were so nice to tell me that this hybrid is a tetraploid (4N) mutation of the Colmanara Jungle Monarch 'Everglades'. According to the "RHS register" it is should be now called as Oncidium Jungle Monarch being Oncidium Debutante x Oncidium maculatum.

Colmanaras may produce flower spikes two or three times a year. This specific plant has small and fragrant flowers held high on branching spikes. The lower part of the labellum is white, while sepals and petals are yellow with typical chestnut mahogany markings.

Bought with two spikes and full of small flowers after the course in June 2012 at the "Orchideria" by Pozzi in Morosolo.

Temperature: intermediate, meaning 15-20 degC minimum at night during winter. Warmer temperatures above 25 degC can be even dangerous for the plant. Important is the diurnal temperature difference of about 5 degC, especially for blooming.
Light: difficult to say as for Burragearas and Odontocidium: some website reports low to medium light and says that 1000-2000 foot-candles is all that is needed to make Colmanaras happy. Some other website suggests a bright spot (2500 foot-candles), with some direct sunlight in the early morning and/or late evening.
Humidity: ideal range is 50-60%
Rest: no
Repot: every 2-3 years, when the roots are outgrowing the pot and the soil is going to break down
Scent: yes
 
16 June 2013
Finally the warm weather! Our Colmanara is now going outside on the balcony together with all intermediate-temperature orchids. We read on "Orchid Geeks" that the AOS culture sheets for Oncidium should be followed. They advise for bright light but cool temperature during summer. This makes more sense also for the new directions provided by the "RHS register" where the hybrid is registered as Oncidium. We decide to set the Colmanara on the bottom tray, first row, in a bright spot with also some direct sunlight late in the afternoon.
 
15 May 2013
Nice, two new pseudobulbs are developing but this strange spring is still too cold (10 degC at night): too early to take plants outside.
 
15 July 2012
It's too hot!! Unfortunately after less than one month, many little flowers are falling like apples from a tree :( !
 
24 June 2012
Our collection is getting larger and larger. Another beautiful commercial hybrid with two spikes, both full of small but very cute flowers!




ArtWork images graciously donated by Graziella Fraschini