Nightmare of a cymbidium

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Paul

Just for clarification .... that advice is only for while in active summer growth. During their cooling period in the Fall and winter you won't follow that regime. Btw, over the summer, depending upon where you are, they can take ful direct sun. If the leaves develop a chartreuse color, you're in the upper range of their tolerance and that is fine as long as they stay well watered.

I water a little less in winter just because they don't dry out as fast. But they start to do new growth right after blooming, so they still need growing conditions. I have not see that the scheme of switching fertilizers in the fall makes much difference. I do fertilize less in winter, which has the effect of giving less nitrogen, but don't go to any special effort in that department. I think the biggest factor for blooming is temperature variation, both seasonal and the difference between day and night (diurnal).

[Dollythehun]

Thanks, Paul. I should have clarified.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I water a little less in winter just because they don't dry out as fast. But they start to do new growth right after blooming, so they still need growing conditions. I have not see that the scheme of switching fertilizers in the fall makes much difference. I do fertilize less in winter, which has the effect of giving less nitrogen, but don't go to any special effort in that department. I think the biggest factor for blooming is temperature variation, both seasonal and the difference between day and night (diurnal).

Keep in mind, Roberta, where you live. I understand many folks in areas of Calif. are able to grow Cyms outside year-round and use them as garden plants. (That latter part still blows my mind.) The OP did not say where she lives. If she lives in the Great White North, the plants will be indoors for the winter. Most folks in those areas keep the cyms in a cool to chilly room to encourage spiking. Because of the lower temps and weak winter sun, the cyms are typically kept drier to avoid rot.

[Irisha99]

I live in New York City. Winters are pretty cold, so I wouldn’t take the chance of keeping them outside. Will definitely try to bring them out in the spring as it warms up. I keep wooden chopsticks in pots and when they are nearly dry then I water my other cymbidium and cattleyas. I have different orchids and wonder how people keep up with watering schedule with different orchid varieties? Another concern is with fertilizing. I have 20-20-20 fertilizer(urea free )and fertilize once a month during winter season. I dilute to about 1/4 of the recommended dose. Afraid to ruin my plants. Thank you all for your help

[Dollythehun]

Watch for new growth, I just saw I had a huge new one I completely missed. (That side's toward the wall).

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by rbarata

I think cymbs are the ugliest of all the orchids I know. Without a photo is difficult to say but, probably, that's normal (for a cymb).

I hope your harem of cyms can't read.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Paul

That latter part still blows my mind.

May I ask you why?

I have different orchids and wonder how people keep up with watering schedule with different orchid varieties?

I group them by their water requirements (it they like to moist, to dry between waterings, etc).
Then, based on my environmental variables I determune the best watering frequency to achieve their needs.
When the variables change, I'll monitor them and see if they need water.
With time one does this without thinking too much.

[estación seca]

The original photos show typical Cymbidiums at Trader Joe's. They are in good health, and will grow strongly next season with just a little bit of care.

TJ sells orchids as disposable cut flowers. I don't think it's fair to expect them to be in perfect condition, because almost everybody will throw them away after flowering. I would not return them.

It is normal to have a few bugs and spiders on plants grown in cool greenhouses. The amount of pesticide necessary to prevent this would be dangerous to humans buying the plants. I find it hilarious people would insist on going to TJ for organic produce while demanding pesticide-sprayed plants in their homes.

Fungus grows on decomposing organic matter. Some species produce fruiting bodies we recognize as mushrooms. Cymbidiums are planted in organic matter. There is always going to be fungal growth in a pot of organic matter. There will always be mushrooms popping up here and there in a pot with decomposing organic matter. Get used to it or get silk flowers.

Orchids sold in flower have typically been in the pot for 1-3 years. It is time to repot, in season. There is no emergent reason for you to repot your orchids. Wait until it's a little warmer and they start growing new shoots.

I hope you realize Cymbidiums get quite large?

[Irisha99]

Yeah, I just started with orchid hobby last September. So I am learning as I go. Very happy and grateful for this forum with all the wonderful people helping newbies out 😍 thank you all!

---------- Post added at 12:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 PM ----------

Originally Posted by estación seca

The original photos show typical Cymbidiums at Trader Joe's. They are in good health, and will grow strongly next season with just a little bit of care.

TJ sells orchids as disposable cut flowers. I don't think it's fair to expect them to be in perfect condition, because almost everybody will throw them away after flowering. I would not return them.

It is normal to have a few bugs and spiders on plants grown in cool greenhouses. The amount of pesticide necessary to prevent this would be dangerous to humans buying the plants. I find it hilarious people would insist on going to TJ for organic produce while demanding pesticide-sprayed plants in their homes.

I hope you realize Cymbidiums get quite large?

Never bought orchids from Trader Joe’s before so I was quite surprised with their condition. I think if it has mushrooms and spiders and bugs all over the plant, it just shows poor care on the part of the seller. I can’t care for them in the condition they are in at this time. I don’t want my Home to be taken over by bugs and spiders (grrr) to the point that I have to call pest control lol! I can’t water them in their pots either, they already are overcrowded in there. So got to clean and repot them. I hear they do tend to grow to be quite large plants. So will pot them all in bigger pots

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by
estación sec

I hope your harem of cyms can't read.

Nope, they're always outside!