The undisputed star of the cambria collections, and often the reason why lovers of this genus discover the endless variety of available hybrid collections, Burrageara Nelly Isler owes its genus name, abbreviated in horticultural trade as Burr., to Albert Cameron Burrage - “A.C. Burrage” (November 21, 1859 - June 29, 1931), industrialist, lawyer, philanthropist, and horticulturist, who first succeeded in growing the genus in 1927.
The hybrid's name is due to J. Isler, its creator in the stabilized version, who registered the taxon in 1995 as a cross between Oncidopsis Stefan Isler and Miltoniopsis Kensington, dedicating the cross result to his wife, Nelly. Although often presented under the commercial name Burrageara, recent classifications place this taxon in the Oncidopsis hybrid family. An intergeneric hybrid, it contains ancestry from the botanical genera Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum, and Oncidium (Cda. X Milt. X Odm. X Onc.). A complex intergeneric hybrid genus, highly appreciated for its red flowers and unmistakable, strong fragrance, often appearing in specialty trade simply under the name Cambria, it prefers a growing environment with low temperatures and high humidity.
The characteristics of this taxon are acquired, as expected, from the ascending genera, resulting in a spectacular and vigorous hybrid. The inheritance from the Miltonia genus is revealed in the pansy-shaped flowers, but also in the intense fragrance; from Odontoglossum it inherits flower persistence, and the specific gloss of the leaves is inherited from the Cochlioda and Oncidium genera.
Epiphytic sympodial taxon (about stem branching - where axillary buds grow), develops several flower stems simultaneously, each bearing up to 15 flowers per stem, with intense fragrance. Blooming occurs several times a year, in various seasons, when new pseudobulbs reach maturity, although autumn blooms are the most frequent. The flowers are colored in intense red, with the labellum decorated with spots and complex white patterns and a yellow circular spot in the middle of the flower. The fragrance, which intensifies during the day and decreases at night, resembles citrus, with a spicy, slightly pungent hint, occasionally becoming overwhelming if sunlight falls directly on the plant. After flowering, it is recommended to cut the dried stems to stimulate the development of new stems.
Burrageara Nelly Isler orchids prefer cool temperatures, which give the flowers a dark red color and stimulate the production of fragrance. The thermal range indicated for successful cultivation belongs to the interval 13 °C - 26 °C, similar to Miltoniopsis species and hybrids. Although it can tolerate higher temperatures for short periods, it is not advisable to overdo it. Temperatures higher than the recommended range often cause discoloration of the labellum.
Fertilizations will be moderate, as its roots are sensitive to salt accumulations. It is recommended to dilute common fertilizers to 50%, especially when using tap water or other types of hard water. Not being a species with intensive feeding and growth, Nelly Isler will require fertilization 1 - 2 times per month. Some authors do not recommend applying fertilizers from November to January.
Changing the substrate and the growing container is recommended to be done once a year, or at least once every two years. The best time for repotting is when the development of new growths begins, to avoid damaging the new roots and to allow easier accommodation to the new growing container. There is a high possibility that the new pseudobulbs will shrivel or wrinkle after changing the growing medium, but it is expected that they will return to their natural shape once the acclimatization period has passed. Burrageara Nelly Isler does not appreciate divisions, but if necessary, it is recommended to keep a large number of pseudobulbs and new growths for each division, as propagation through dormant pseudobulbs is difficult.
Although it prefers the direct rays of the morning sun, this aspect is not strictly necessary to achieve reblooming. Its preference for the amount of light radiation belongs to the amphitolerant range, as Burrageara Nelly Isler can thrive both in low light and at high intensities, as long as it is not in full sun and the light is filtered. Direct sun rays cause leaf burns, so they should be avoided. If the plants receive too much light, this will be noticeable by the appearance of a yellowish color on the leaves. Eastern exposures are the most appreciated, western and southern ones require additional shading, and northern ones require additional lighting.
Burrageara Nelly Isler prefers high humidity, of 60 - 90%, which often can only be achieved by using a tray with gravel and water. It is recommended to avoid placing it near a radiator or other heat sources that generate dryness. Watering should be done whenever the substrate shows signs of drying, but it is recommended not to allow it to dry out for more than 1-2 days. Lack of water, as in the case of most taxa of the artificial genus Cambria, will be evident by the appearance of folded leaves, resembling the shape of an accordion. This aspect will not disappear once water is administered, but it also does not pose any inconvenience to the plant, except that it can damage the buds of the flower spikes or affect their normal development. During long dry periods, an aspect that can affect the survival of the specimens is the decrease in velamen viability and, consequently, root death.
Although Burrageara Nelly Isler is not a fragile and demanding orchid, it will still require constant humidity in the growing medium and equally good ventilation at the root level. The most serious sign of dehydration for this orchid is the wrinkling and shriveling of new pseudobulbs. Likewise, when new flower spikes are developing, it is recommended to spray the young buds with water to prevent their dehydration.
The growing medium will be represented by sphagnum moss, mixed with fine-grain bark, coconut fiber, to ensure drainage and aeration of the roots, and other similar media, with high water retention, but which also provide good ventilation.
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