Vuylstekeara

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. Cultural hybrid.

Description. Vuylstekeara or Cambria is a herbaceous orchid that is a hybrid of three different genera of orchids. It is famous for its beautiful small flowers, up to 5 cm in diameter, of a wide variety of shapes and shades. Flowering can continue for a very long period of time, often for several months. The leaves are bright green, strap-shaped, leathery, emerging from elongated pseudobulbs, and their color is often an indicator of the overall health of the plant. Peduncles are multi-flowered, rising above the foliage.

Height. About 50 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Vuylstekeara prefers moderately warm conditions with a temperature that ranges from 10 ° C to 30 ° C. A temperature in the middle of this range will be considered optimal.

Lighting

Orchids prefer not to be in direct sunlight. Vuylstekeara is shade-loving, it is necessary to keep it away from direct sunlight. On the other hand, it needs good lighting to bloom profusely. In winter, additional illumination with fluorescent lamps is possible.

Care

Orchids grow in spurts - sometimes very quickly, and at other long periods - slowly. This is completely normal for almost all orchids. The peduncle in good lighting conditions rises above the plant, and can be 2 times higher than it, so it is necessary to provide support. 

Substrate for orchids

Loose, gas and water permeable, with excellent drainage, nutritious. A mixture based on large pieces of pine bark and sphagnum moss works well.

Feeding

Nutrients are easily washed out of loose soil suitable for orchids, so it is better to fertilize frequently and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended concentration. 

Purpose

The huge variety of different shades and shapes of vuylstekeara flowers make this orchid one of the most popular plants for the home.

Flowering time

With good care, the bush blooms every 9 months - about the same time it takes for the pseudobulb to complete its growth cycle. Flowering can last for several weeks or even 1-2 months in cool conditions.

Air humidity

Orchids need high levels of humidity and do well in the kitchen or bathroom where water vapor is present. Air humidity should be increased with increasing air temperature. The ideal humidity is between 55 and 75% with good air circulation and no cold drafts. Place the plant pot on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. It is recommended to spray only with soft water at room temperature, making sure that the drops do not fall on the flowers.

Water orchids at home

One of the key mistakes is overwatering. Orchids should be watered when the top layer of soil dries, but without allowing the earthen ball to dry out. After flowering, it is useful to increase the intervals between waterings. 

Transfer

Vuylstekeara grows slowly and does not need frequent replanting. Adult specimens are replanted every 2 years in the spring when they outgrow the pot or when the soil needs to be changed to fresh soil.

Reproduction

It is quite difficult to propagate. Young pseudobulbs are separated from the plant when they are fully formed and have their own roots.

Pests and diseases

Black spots on leaves and pseudobulbs may indicate that conditions are too cold and wet. A reddish-green tint to the foliage indicates too much light; dark green due to lack of light. When overwatered, putrefactive manifestations occur.

Pests may include aphids, scale insects and red spider mites.