Cymbidiums Outside Watering

[Paerata]

In Niagara Falls Ontario I've placed outside my 2 cymbidiums.
How much do I take into account rainfall when deciding on the water regime?
Do I need to adjust the fertilising routine. I follow the weekly, weakly advice.
The two pots are under an oak tree- is this likely to be a problem? They are also sheltered by a south boundary wooden fence and so will not receive any direct sunlight.
Should I place them on the ground, secure the pots in the ground or have them sitting on a dish such as they are placed on inside? I hope that's not too many questions.

[Cym Ladye]

Paerata,

A couple of Dont's first:
1) Do not put pots directly on the ground or partially buried as it encourages snails, slugs and other creepy crawlers;
2) Do not put in a saucer as it can cause root rot in the bottom of the pot. Some Australian growers do place their cyms in saucers, but it takes a different way of watering and I do not recommend it for you at this time.

In regard to the Do's:
1) Watering will somewhat depend on the amount of rain you are getting. Cyms like water when it is warm, but do not want to be saturated all the time. Because of where you have your plants, they may not get a full soaking when it rains because of the overhead trees.
2) Being under trees may be OK but I suspect they may not get enough a sun. Cyms can take a full half day of morning sun and thrive. It is the afternoon sun with the accompanying heat that they do not like.
3) It could be in regard to the fertilizing, using a slow release, long acting fertilizer as Dynamite 13-13-13 would solve your weakly/weekly concerns.

Good Luck,

CL

[RosieC]

I'm also wondering about watering for my Cym which is outside.

We are getting NO rain just now in the UK. Last few weeks have been hot dry weather. My Cym is in full morning sun, patchy afternoon sun.

So any ideas how often I should be watering? I don't think I've been giving it enough but I equally don't want to over do it. It IS growing well I noticed today, having put on lots of growth since I moved it to this spot.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I'm also wondering about watering for my Cym which is outside.

We are getting NO rain just now in the UK. Last few weeks have been hot dry weather. My Cym is in full morning sun, patchy afternoon sun.

So any ideas how often I should be watering? I don't think I've been giving it enough but I equally don't want to over do it. It IS growing well I noticed today, having put on lots of growth since I moved it to this spot.

Rosie - it really depends on the temp and humidity. Where I am - in winter, even with no rain, it's cooler and damper, and I may water the cyms once a week or less. During very hot and very dry periods in summer, 3 - 4xs a week. But that is EXTREMELY HOT AND DRY weather. Put a skewer or chopstick in the pot. In my experience it is harder to over-water a cym than a lot of other orchids, but the climate here tends to be dry, so not sure if that holds for everywhere.

[RosieC]

Good point White Rabbit.

Our temps are currently getting up arround the mid 80s during the day and humidity is only arround 40% (low for the UK).

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Good point White Rabbit.

Our temps are currently getting up arround the mid 80s during the day and humidity is only arround 40% (low for the UK).

Well I can only guess, but once or twice a week maybe. Try a chopstick or skewer in the pot. Pot size and media also can affect how often to water.

[RosieC]

Thanks again, It's difficult to get a chopstip in that pot as I think it's really ready for repotting but I will give that a go.

I hadn't really increased watering from once every two weeks which it was getting over the winter, so I really think I need to up it now with this heat and lack of rain.

Good news it that it seems to be growing well

[Cym Ladye]

Rosie,

It sounds as if your plant is "full in the pot" along with not being given enough water for the warm temperatures and the low humidity! It may take several waterings, 1/2 hour apart to re wet the media. Then seriously consider dividing and repotting if it has been more than 3-4 years in the same pot.

Good Luck,

CL

[RosieC]

Thanks CL.

I don't actually know how long it's been in the pot as I only bought it in November, but it IS very packed in to the pot but I have not yet found a suitable replacement pot. It is probably big enough to divide, but I like it as a large plant so plan to leave it together for now.

I do try and soak for a good half hour when I water to make sure it is getting fully wet again.