new to taking care of orchids

[bootznbuklz]

I need some advice / help..... my husband bought me a beautiful cymbidium for Mother's Day this year and I haven't had any trouble until this past week. I have watched my beautiful yellow and purple flowers go to black and brown. They still feel hearty but are looking terrible. I have watered moderately as directed and it is also indoors. I moved the pot one time and it was like it said wait a minute........was that bad to move it around? or am i not watering it enough. I keep it damp.....any help would be greatly appreciated. I have beautiful flower beds and a vegie garden and have what I would like to think of as I do pretty well.........so I just don't get it.

Thanks ahead of time.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If it gets cool enough outdoors but doesn't freeze (45 F is the lowest I'd be comfortable growing your Cymbidium hybrid), you're most likely able to grow the Cymbidium outdoors in full morning sun.

These orchids are pretty straight forward once you know what they need to grow and bloom.

It's like growing a potted plant. Keep evenly moist and allow to dry between waterings.

You can use a woodland potting soil or orchid mix. But do not plant this in the ground (complicated issues with bacteria and fungus).

Most bloom in the spring.

[Zoi2]

What kind of pot is it planted in? Are there any drainage holes?
How often do you water/fertilize?
What kind of light, temp and humidity is it getting?
Joann

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yes, drainage holes are important, like Zoi2 said. I forget these plants are sometimes potted up in pots without holes or have gift wraps and what not that doesn't allow water to drain out. The pot sitting in stagnant water is bad. The potting media stays too wet and rots the roots out.

Speaking of which, I forgot to mention that the soil has to have good drainage as well. Don't allow the potting media to compact.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If it gets cool enough outdoors but doesn't freeze (45 F is the lowest I'd be comfortable growing your Cymbidium hybrid), you're most likely able to grow the Cymbidium outdoors in full morning sun.

.

hmm - mine stay outside year round - in the winter taking overnite lows of freezing occassionally

[Ray]

If the plant was in bloom for Mothers Day, dropping its blossoms now doesn't strike me as a significant issue.