Vandachostylis Colmarie is a striking hybrid within the Vanda alliance, prized for its deep flower color, compact growth, and often distinctly fragrant blooms. Due to the strong influence of Rhynchostylis gigantea, this orchid generally remains somewhat more manageable than many large Vandas, while its flowers have a distinctly exotic appearance.
Origin
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Vandachostylis Colmarie is a registered hybrid of Vandachostylis Sri-Siam × Rhynchostylis gigantea. Rhynchostylis gigantea and Vanda tessellata play particularly important roles in its lineage. This explains the full flower clusters, the often pleasant fragrance, and the warm, dark flower colors that are so highly valued in this hybrid.
The cross was registered in 1994 and originates from modern orchid hybrid culture, in which compact growth, abundant flowering, and strong color selection are key characteristics.
Characteristics
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Vandachostylis Colmarie grows monopodially, with sturdy, leathery leaves arranged in an upright fan. The plant forms thick aerial roots and is often grown in a hanging basket, open basket, or a very airy growing medium. Compared to much larger Vanda hybrids, its growth typically remains more compact, though the plant still requires sufficient light, air, and space around its roots.
The flowers appear in compact to densely filled clusters. The color is usually dark purple, reddish-purple, burgundy, or nearly black-purple, depending on the clone, light conditions, and flowering stage. With proper care, the flowers can remain beautiful for several weeks. Many plants also have a sweet fragrance, especially during warm, sunny times of the day. Some suppliers also describe Colmarie as dark chestnut brown to nearly black and fragrant.
Care
Light
Place Vandachostylis Colmarie in a very bright spot with plenty of indirect light. Morning sun or late afternoon sun is usually well tolerated, but bright midday sun through a window can cause leaf damage. If there is too little light, the plant will continue to grow, but flowering often fails to occur.
Temperature
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This hybrid grows best in warm to moderate conditions. A daytime temperature of about 22 to 28°C is ideal, with a slight drop at night to about 17 to 20°C. Short-term fluctuations are usually not a problem, as long as the plant is not left cold and wet for extended periods.
Potting Mix
Vandachostylis Colmarie needs plenty of air around its roots. An open basket with coarse bark, a hanging basket without compacted potting mix, or bare-root cultivation are well-suited to this growth habit. When grown in a pot, the growing medium must remain very coarse and airy so that the roots can dry out quickly after watering.
Humidity
A humidity level of about 60 to 75% is beneficial, especially in warm and bright conditions. Good air circulation is important, as stagnant, moist air can cause fungal problems. In a dry living room, the plant may require extra attention, especially when the roots are kept without growing medium.
Watering:
When watering, allow the roots to get completely wet and then dry out thoroughly again. When grown bare-root or in an open basket, watering may be needed more frequently than for a plant in coarse growing medium. During warm periods, regular misting or soaking may be necessary, while watering is less frequent during cooler periods. Preferably use demineralized water or clean rainwater.
Fertilization
During the active growing season, apply a light dose of orchid fertilizer regularly. A low concentration—for example, a quarter to half the recommended dose—is usually safer than occasional heavy fertilization. Rinse the roots Occasionally flush thoroughly with clean water to limit the buildup of fertilizer salts.
Flowering
Vandachostylis Colmarie can produce abundant blooms—compact clusters of dark, often fragrant flowers—when growth is vigorous and light is sufficient. Under favorable conditions, flowering may occur more than once a year, but this depends heavily on light, temperature, root health, and the plant’s vigor. After flowering, the plant continues to grow from the top and may later form new flower stalks from the leaf axils.
