First Cymbidium - overwintering advice please!

[rbarata]

If you can get inside the temps you've mentioned, that's fine.

[Pippa]

Thank you! If I have success with this one, I'll maybe try a couple more next year as they are such striking plants. I always like to buy a reduced plant the first time I try a new orchid as I'd feel a lot less upset losing a £4 plant than a £30 one!

[rbarata]

And do you have enough room for Cymbs? They can get really large...

[Pippa]

There is always more room for plants - I'll just chuck out a couple more pieces of furniture!

[rbarata]

Some of my Cymbs need two persons to raise the pot...so that you can have an accurate idea of how big they can get.

[richardb]

A couple of points, Pippa. Firstly, remember that Cymbidiums like to be pot bound so do not be surprised if you get no flowers the season after repotting. Then it is the diurnal range of temperatures which initiates buds. Mine live in my cool greenhouse all year. Min 10c but max27/28 in summer with all windows and door open March to October. I found that putting outside in summer just encouraged nasties to get on the plant and in the compost.
Secondly, I notice you are in South Wales. There is an excellent society which meets at the National Botanic Garden of Wales so they will be able to give specific advice for local conditions. I know several people from that Society and they are good growers. Take a look at The Orchid Study Group – For everyone with an interest in orchids. I can give PM you a contact if that would be helpful.