Colmanara Space Race "Topaz Gold"

[JP020366]

Hi all

Finally my Colm (now called something else) is flowing. Bought it 3 months ago with fairly small spikes.

Not completely out yet very promising.

Cheers

John

[Bolero]

Yeah it's now Oncidium Space Race apparently.

Lovely little flowers, it makes for a great display! I really like it.

[JP020366]

Thanks Bolero

Satisfying to see this all happen.

The warmer weather here lately seems to have set it off.

Do you think I will have to repot after this? And not sure where the new psudobulbs will come from?

Cheers

John

[Bolero]

Ah yes, once the plant has finished flowering you will need to repot to give it room to form the psuedobulbs for the next flowering. It looks like a great plant and you will get a really good size specimen if you keep letting it expand. What size pot is it in now?

[JP020366]

Hi

Current pot size is around 5.5" (14cm). What size should I go up to?

Should the bulbs start shrivelling?

I'm trying to save another one which my mother-in-law had but the bulbs are very shrivelled and can't see any new growth. I am keeping the mix fairly moist. One leaf already turned yellow and fell off. The others haven't really deteriorated but no movement yet....should this happen when weather gets better? It is outside (in shade under a tree) and weather is getting warmer.

Cheers

John

[Bolero]

Good questions! That's a good size plant, you could go to a 7 inch pot from there unless you want to divide it up. I wouldn't worry about a 6 inch pot as it doesn't give you much room to move.

The bulbs usually shrivel when they don't get enough water. That can be caused by not enough watering or by the roots rotting (possibly by the mix breaking down or overwatering).

When you repot make sure you clean the roots really well and make sure they're healthy. If any roots are dead you will need to remove them. If everything looks ok with the plant it should be fine to move them into the 7 inch pot I would think.

Where in Australia are you? Is there a local club where someone could have a closer look for you, they may also be able to help with local growing advice.

[JP020366]

Hi

Thanks for that.

I'm on the Northern Beaches in Sydney and have recently joined the Manly Warringah Orchid Society. Still trying to get my head around being a member of an orchid society. Once thought it was just for old(er) people.

Anyway, have discussed the issue with them before and they are confident (without seeing it though) that it can recover.

I'll give it the best chance...

Cheers

John

[Bolero]

No worries, there will be someone there to give you a hand as well I'm sure. I thought orchids were for older people as well but I joined a society in my early 30's. It's addictive and I'm still going with it at 41......if you're young and get really into it I can assure you they will want you as a judge.....lol.

[JP020366]

Hi all

Flowers are starting to fall of this Colmanara and new growth forming.

When is the best time to cut off the spike? Before all flowers are are gone? I understand you can't get another spike like phals so guess you cut as low as possible when you do it.

Appreciate any comments.

Cheers

John