Colm Spacerace or Spucerace? New member help

[ellien]

I received a gift of a beutiful flowering plant with a hand written tag containing only the 2 words above. Those words never worked anywhere until I found this site. At least now I know "Colm" is an abbreviation for Colmanara, in the Odontoglossum Family--but one post says that has been changed to Odontocidium. What do I have and how do I take good care of it?

[quiltingwacko]

The names change occasionally and it keeps us all guessing. Odontocidium is the newer name. If you cannot find a care sheet on here for the Odonto, then try the American Orchid Society. They are free and you can print them out. I'll see if I can find some links to post. Carol

[quiltingwacko]

Orchid Wiz says 0%-60% humidity. Water frequently if plant has thin roots, less frequently for thicker roots. Water just as medium starts to dry; Water more heavily during active growth. Commonly grown in pots. Fertilize twice monthly. Common media: fir bark. Bright indirect light or dappled light. I don't know if you have had orchids before but most like very weak fertilizer. Carol PS The picture is gorgeous!

[ellien]

Thank you for the info. I have very limited experience with orchids and no relationship lasted very long. I live in very dry San Diego, CA county so any tips on increasing humidity for my new plant would be welcome--also correct spelling of name so I can look it up with more success. Ellien

[quiltingwacko]

A tray with gravel in it and water is good to set them on. Just make sure that the orchid isn't getting soaked. It should sit on the gravel, not the water. There are pretty kinds of pebbles sacked in garden stores for sale and plant saucers of varying sizes. Since it said dappled or indirect light, you could do eastern exposure or another window as long as the sun isn't direct.

[quiltingwacko]

Oh and I forgot to say Space Race is correct.