Oncidium Tips (was "Cambria tips")

[Stelios]

Hellow, i have a couple of Cambria (NOID) i bought both from IKEA, one is potted in bark chis and the other bark chips and moss. They grew so i am thinking to repot. Any tips on medium and procedure? One Cambria is now having it's first flower spike should i wait and reppot after bloom?

[LouisW]

Dont know much about this genus but I wouldnt ropot it while its in spike. When in doubt pot it in somthing similar to what its in now. More bark maybe? Good luck.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Stelios

Hellow, i have a couple of Cambria (NOID) i bought both from IKEA...

The term "Cambria," a term used mostly in Eurpoean countries and most often the UK, is a generic horticultural term referring to plants in the Oncidium Alliance. It is often used as a genus or a grex but it is neither. It's not a real orchid name. It's not even a "common name" like "Moth Orchid." There's no "Cambria Section", no "Cambria Alliance, " nothing like that.

Because the term is so misleading and beause it often confuses people, I strongly discourage its use.

Your orchids are probably Oncidium Alliance intergeneric hybrids. Oncidium culture applies. Take a look at the Oncidium Culture sheet on this forum or at AOS | Home.

It's a mystery to me why the proper term, "Oncicumn Alliance," or "Oncidium hybrid" can't be used. I can't understand why a useless term like "Cambria" persists.

[Stelios]

Hi Louis, i am attaching some images of me second Cambria currently in bloom. (the first one is yellow instead of white). Maybe it can help identify it more properly (maybe it;s a Cambria hybrid), I bought them both from IKEA and usually they only sell phalenopsis.

[Stelios]

Originally Posted by kmarch

The term "Cambria," a term used mostly in Eurpoean countries and most often the UK, is a generic horticultural term referring to plants in the Oncidium Alliance. It is often used as a genus or a grex but it is neither. It's not a real orchid name. It's not even a "common name" like "Moth Orchid." There's no "Cambria Section", no "Cambria Alliance, " nothing like that.

Thank you kmarch! that is really helpfull, i will read the provided link carefully. It's nice to finnaly know what kind it is. I guess they name it Cambria for marketing reasons.

[kmarch]

I haven't a clue as to why they persist in using the term "Cambria." I don't see how "Cambria" is somehow better for marketing than the correct term "Oncidium Alliance" or better yet, the correct name of the plant. It's a mystery to me.

But more towards your original question: Oncidium Alliance plants tend to do better in finer bark, not the big chunky stuff, kept moist. There are several really good Oncidium growers here on the forum and they'll probably be coming along soon with useful tips beyond what the culture sheet says.

Cheers!

PS, I'm going ot change your thread title so hopefully people will better understand it and respond.

[Stelios]

Thank you kmarch, the AOS site has very usefull info, it was quite an eye oppener. Also thanks for editing the title so more members can provide their insight.

[patticake]

That's really strange! Thanks for the info, I hadn't heard the term, but I'll be on the lookout for it in the future. Once again Kevin,

[Celcat]

Kevin,

The problem comes from the labelling by the dutch grower. Most of these oncidium hybrid come from Netherland. When you are a novice, you tend to rely on the labelling. Unfortunately, big commercial grower do not pay attention the correct name of the plants.
I have used this name in the past in some of my previous post. It is only in recent months that I am using the term oncidium alliance instead of cambria. Sometime, we just need to be told off few times before to remember the correct term.

Celine

[lmartiny]

It's OK Celine. I'm not good with names at all. We learn something new, absorb it, and move on. I would not have known either way. But Cambria wineries can put out a good bottle or two of wine!!

[fred]

here we go lol
I grow all my oncidium alliance in sphagnum moss
now I am not saying that you must change your medium to saphgnum moss
I use sphagnum moss because that works really well for my conditions

I have all my Odontoglossums in sphagnum moss also

the secret with sphagnum moss is to keep it moist and not wet

[LouisW]

I thought that was some sort of rare or little known genus! lol. Dont I feel silly!

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by LouisW

I thought that was some sort of rare or little known genus! lol. Dont I feel silly!

So did I!!!! But I don't feel silly; I'll just chalk it up to learning something new!

[hulaorchid]

I'm with you guys I thought we were missing out on a exotic!

[violetta]

Originally Posted by Stelios

Hi Louis, i am attaching some images of me second Cambria currently in bloom. (the first one is yellow instead of white). Maybe it can help identify it more properly (maybe it;s a Cambria hybrid), I bought them both from IKEA and usually they only sell phalenopsis.

Hi Stelios
I try to avoid visiting IKEA (that is, I tell my friends "no matter how much I insist, don't let me go in there!") as I don't want to end up with more Phals, and I started to buy Catts from ebay instead.
After reading your post, I feel compelled to go to IKEA, but if any Phals follow me home (again), it will be your fault!

[Stelios]

Gia sou Violleta, you made an elladiti happy :P
I definately know the feeling. Although not a nurcery, IKEA always seem to have very beautiful and healthy plants. It's hard for me to avoid it as well. I try to pass quickly from the plant area but nowdays they even have a few at their IKEA Food section. Salmon, Raindeer and Orchids are hard to be avoided.

[glossterline]

Coming back to the use of 'Cambria', I used it because when I bought Twinkle, the variety was advertised under Cambria, and all the info given on plant care refers to Cambria. Likewise, in the local garden centre, all the Odontoglossum-Oncidium alliance orchids are labelled as Cambria.

I take the point about the term not having any real value in an orchid context and I'll use Odontocidium in future.

Many thanks,

Les

[Celcat]

I think there are quite few of us in UK who do or did use that term. We learn everyday, at least I wont use this term anymore