Burrageara orchid (Oncidopsis) Nelly Isler - Characteristics and care guide
The undisputed star of Cambrian collections, and often the reason why lovers of this genre discover the boundless variety of hybrid collections available, Burrageara Nelly Isler owes its genus name, abbreviated in the horticultural trade Burr., to Albert Cameron Burrage - " AC Burrage" (November 21, 1859 - June 29, 1931), industrialist, lawyer, philanthropist and horticulturist, who succeeded in growing the genus for the first time in 1927.
The name of the hybrid 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 result of the cross to his wife, Nelly. Although often presented under the commercial name of Burrageara, recent classifications place this taxon in the Oncidopsis hybrid family. An intergeneric hybrid, contains ancestry from the botanical genera Cochlioda, Miltonia, Odontoglossum and Oncidium (Cda. X Milt. X Odm. X Onc.). Complex, intergeneric hybrid genus, highly appreciated for its red flowers and unmistakable and strong perfume , often appearing in the specialty trade simply under the name of 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, the result being a spectacular and vigorous hybrid . The heritage from the Miltonia genus is revealed in the shape of the pansy flowers, but also in the intense perfume ; from Odontoglossum inherits the persistence of the flowers , and the specific gloss of the leaves is inherited from the genera Cochlioda and Oncidium.
Sympodial epiphyte taxon ( about the branching of the stem - on which axillary buds grow), develops several concomitant floral stems, each bearing up to 15 flowers per stem, with intense fragrance . Blooms occur several times a year , in various seasons, when the new pseudobulbs reach maturity, although autumn blooms are the most frequent. The flowers are colored deep red, with the labellum ornamented with complex white spots and designs and with a circular yellow spot in the middle of the flower. The perfume, which intensifies during the day and decreases in intensity at night, is reminiscent of citrus fruits, with a spicy, slightly spicy touch, which can occasionally become overwhelming if the sun's rays fall directly on the plant. After flowering, it is recommended to cut the dry stems, to stimulate the development of new stems.
Orchid Burrageara Nelly Isler prefers cold temperatures , which give the flowers a dark red color and stimulate the production of perfume. The thermal spectrum indicated for its successful cultivation will belong to the range 13 °C - 26 °C, similar to Miltoniopsis species and hybrids. Although it can tolerate higher temperatures for short periods, it is not advisable to abuse it in this sense. Temperatures higher than the recommended range often cause discoloration of the labellum.
Fertilization will be moderate, as its roots are sensitive to the accumulation of salts. It is recommended to dilute the usual fertilizers to 50%, especially in the case of using tap water or another type of hard water. Not being a species with intensive feeding and growth, Nelly Isler will require fertilization 1-2 times a month. Some authors do not recommend the administration of fertilizers starting from November and until January.
It is recommended to change the substrate and culture container once a year, or at least once every two years. The best time for replanting is when you notice the beginning of the development of new growth, to avoid injuring the new roots and to allow an easier adaptation to the new cultivation container. There is a high possibility that the new pseudobulbs will shrivel or get wrinkles after the culture environment change, 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 absolutely necessary to obtain reblooms. Its preference for the amount of light radiation belongs to the amphitolerant register, since Burrageara Nelly Isler can thrive both with low light and high intensities, as long as it is not in full sun and the light is filtered. The direct rays of the sun cause burns of the leaves, and it is recommended to avoid them. If the plants receive too much light, this aspect will be noticeable by the appearance of a yellow color of the leaves. The eastern exposures are the most appreciated, the western and southern ones needing additional shading, and the northern ones needing additional lighting.
Burrageara Nelly Isler prefers high humidity, of 60 - 90% , which can often be obtained only by using a tray with gravel and water. It is recommended to avoid placing it next to a radiator or other sources of heat that generate dryness. Watering will be done every time the substrate shows signs of drying, but it is recommended not to allow it to dry for more than 1-2 days. The lack of water, as in the case of most taxa of the artificial genus Cambria, will be evident by the appearance of folded leaves, reminiscent of the shape of an accordion. This aspect will not disappear with the administration of water, but at the same time it does not present any inconvenience for the plant, except for the fact that they can injure the buds of the flower stems or affect their normal development. During the long periods of dryness, an aspect that can affect the survival of the specimens is represented by the decrease in the viability of the velamen and, as a result, the death of the roots.
Although Burrageara Nelly Isler is not a fragile and pretentious orchid , it will still require constant humidity in the culture environment and equally good ventilation at the level of the roots. The most serious sign of dehydration for this orchid is represented by the wrinkling and shriveling of the new pseudobulbs. Equally, when the new flower stalks are developing, it is recommended to spray the young buds with water, to prevent their dehydration.
The culture medium will be represented by sphagnum moss, mixed with small-grained bark, coconut fiber, to ensure drainage and aeration of the roots, and other similar mediums, with high water retention, but which also ensure good ventilation.
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