How to bloom a cymbidium

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by derfamgen

I got carried away and bought several plants on sale at Sam's Club last Easter. I put them outside once the weather cooled off here in the fall. Has anyone been successful in keeping them outside all year round in hot climates - I'm in Phoenix AZ. I don't that any buds yet. From reading this thread, I suspect they're not getting enough light in my entry way.

Mickey in AZ

Hi Mickey - sorry you didn't get any replies. How are the Cyms doing? I know my Cyms take some heat, but it isn't AS hot, or constantly so. Let us know please - and feel free to start a new thread to hopefully get more replies.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by RobertaT

I am so glad I found this site. I have a cymb. too and would really like it to re-bloom. I'm so glad I could read all the posts. I live in northern BC and to keep my orchids from getting too warm I push them against a window and crack the window open all winter. I can get my phaels to re-bloom. Now here is hoping next winter my cym will! Thanks everyone!

Hi Roberta

Cyms want a period of cool nights, late summer-fall, to initiate spikes. They can take temps down to a bit below freezing for short periods. Many people grow them outside from just after threat of frost until just before threat of frost. They also want a good deal of light during their growing period (spring, summer). Stick 'em outside if at all possible, until threat of frost.

[james mickelso]

Cyms...first years growth after repotting. Feed it heavily and watering to keep damp but not wet. Lift the pot. When it is dry it is light. Feed from june to oct where you are. 20-20-20 is good. Second year. Feed same as first year. But in august start feeding it a higher phosphrus/potassium percentage and leave out in the cold short of frost. Warm it up in the daytime if you can. Wrap in black heavy paper like a dog collar so the paper absorbs the warmth and reradiates it. The spike will come around oct-dec. Slack off on the watering as the plant is going into dormancy and the pbulb is producing the flower spike and not feeding itself as much. Cyms are two and for some species, three year plants. They generally don't produce flowers until there are three old bulbs and a new growth two to three years old unless they are forced in near perfect conditions. Up in the Santa Barbara area here in California they grow incredible cyms. And Casa de las Orchideas in Solana Beach they grow them even better. Cyms like to be repotted about every two to three years. But don't abuse their roots. Just take out of the pot, clean the roots of old mix gently, and repot into new mix. Don't water for a week.