Temperature: Night temperatures from 55 to 65 Fahrenheit 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. 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.
Fertilizing: Like all plants, Colmanaras like to be fed. I personally use the 1/2-strength liquid fertilizer every other week method.
Depending on what media your orchid is growing in will determined on the type of
fertilizer
you should use. I like a balanced fertilizer
like Dyna Gro 7-7-7. My brother, on the other hand, uses standard-strength Liquid Miracle-Gro (8-7-6) houseplant food every week when he waters. The point is, don't forget to feed your orchid. If you overfeed, you will be able to tell when the plant begins to grow amuck, taking over the room and trying to eat your cat!
Repotting: I would recommend
repotting every two years in early spring before it begins to actively grow and bloom, using a media that will stay evenly moist (not wet). Allow your Colmanara to dry out a little between watering.
Medium bark mixed with some
perlite and
charcoal is very good for these hybrids.
If you want to try your hand at growing an orchid, Colmanara Wildcat hybrids would be an excellent choice to start with.
When you begin shopping for your new Colmanara, some of the hybrids you might see are
Colmanara Wildcat 'Black Tea',
Colmanara Wildcat 'Doris',
Colmanara Wildcat 'White Lip', Colmanara Wildcat 'Jaguar', Colmanara Wildcat 'Bobcat', Colmanara Wildcat 'Ocelot', Colmanara 'Blood Ruby', Colmanara 'Perfume Lily' and Colmanara 'Lucky Seven' just to name a few.
