Cymbidium limp leaves - Orchid Board

rachel.gazelles · #1 09-23-2011, 01:04 PM

Hi everyone. I am pretty new to this board, but I have a question requarding my cymbidiums. I kept them outside at the beginning of summer and in June I moved from Dallas to Austin, and put them outside in Austin. Each cymbidium is sending up 3-4 new shoots, but the leaves on the new shoots started to become limp, so I moved them indoors thinking it must be too hot for them here. Well, they are still sending the new shoots up, but the leaves are still limp. Is there anything I can do to make them stand up straight?
Thanks, I can try to attach pictures if needed :-)

marydaniellesantos · #2 09-23-2011, 01:15 PM

WELCOME TO OB!!!

Could you post pictures? I'm having a hard time understanding what you mean by the foliage being limp.

WhiteRabbit · #3 09-23-2011, 01:22 PM

Insufficient light can cause the foliage to be floppy

rachel.gazelles · #4 09-23-2011, 06:21 PM

Thank you for the replies! I uploaded some pictures to show what I mean about the floppy leaves :-) It is as if they want to stand up straight, but the lower part of the leaf isn't strong enough to hold the top up.
They get a pretty good amount of light. I have them in a south facing window.. But I'm hoping once it cools down a bit I can put them outside again.

keithrs · #5 09-24-2011, 01:06 AM

Those plants like pretty heathy...... Thats normal!!! You may want to think about repotting after they flower. Also they can get a tad more light...

rachel.gazelles · #6 09-24-2011, 10:35 AM

Thank you for the reply! I suppose I will have to put them in full sun once the weather starts getting better down here. I'm glad to know they are ok :-)

keithrs · #7 09-24-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachel.gazelles

Thank you for the reply! I suppose I will have to put them in full sun once the weather starts getting better down here. I'm glad to know they are ok :-)

I would would be careful about putting them in full sun without acclimating them if you have had them indoors..... They may get sun burnt. I find it best to have them under a tree that allows partial sun. Also, as a tip, cut back on fertilizer in about a month or two. This will help them spike!

rachel.gazelles · #8 09-24-2011, 11:14 AM

Oooh I would love to be able to get them to spike on my own! What are the highest temperatures they could tolerate during the day? Should I start putting them outside for half days and bringing them in to keep from shocking them?

Thank you for entertaining my many questions! I feel like such a newbie on this board

Cym Ladye · #9 09-24-2011, 12:15 PM

There is a current thread covering inside/outside growing suggestions on the Cymbidium Alliance section of the OB titled "Cymbidium old and new bulbs ".

Outside, Cyms do best in a 50/50 sun/shade location. Morning sun can be fairly direct up to noon in many locations but always shadier afternoons to protect from hot sun. You may find you will need a more little more protection from late morning sun if your climate is excessively hot. Cyms can take temps in excess of 100F if they can get enough humidity to go with it. Moving it in and out on a daily basis only tends to confuse the plant, in my experience.

Your plant needs more sunlight. The dark green color and limp nature of the leaves are all tell-tale signs. Just be sure to acclimate them gradually so as not to burn the leaves.

Good Luck,

Cym Ladye

keithrs · #10 09-24-2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachel.gazelles

Oooh I would love to be able to get them to spike on my own! What are the highest temperatures they could tolerate during the day? Should I start putting them outside for half days and bringing them in to keep from shocking them?

Thank you for entertaining my many questions! I feel like such a newbie on this board

Mine stay out all year..... My temps range from 28-105 but mostly in 50-85 range. They can handle wide temps range...

Its better if you leave them outside and slowly increase the light level. No full sun in the heat of the day. Best if you give it bright dapple light in mid afternoon and full sun in morning and/or evening . Should see distinct shadows moving on the leaves. Leave should be a light green almost yellow color. You may have to play around abit. It the greatest feeling when you get one to bloom for the first time.

I have mine under a maple tree that loose its leave in the winter. This gives it has some protection in the summer from the sun and gets several more hours of a little bright sun in the winter.