Cycnoches cooperi, Fall 2024

[marie458]

At first I wasn't a great fan of cycnoches. They seemed to be very finicky growers and required a great deal of attention to their specific cultural needs. Over time, however, I've learned how to better meet their needs, esp. over the winter dormancy period where many would rot and die.

This beautiful bloom on my Cycnoches cooperi has caused me to fall back in love with these persnickety orchids. I'm so looking forward to next year's flowering season

[isurus79]

Looks good! What were the culture changes that you found useful in preventing rot during dormancy?

[marie458]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Looks good! What were the culture changes that you found useful in preventing rot during dormancy?

Thanks, Stephen I have to admit that when I first considered growing orchids from the Catasetinae group, I looked to MissOrchidGirl on Youtube for culture care and strategies. That turned out to be a huge mistake, esp. when it came to thoroughly understanding the actual growth patterns, habits and environments of these particular orchids.

You helped me understand that Cycnoches require high temps, humidity and light during their growing season. They also need a growing medium that resembles the media in which they grow in their natural habitat. Hence, the PET method (along with organic fertilizer) works so well for them in my tropical outdoor growing environment. My plants seem to be bigger and stronger than before and, hence, able to handle a long period without water.

Most importantly, though, I recognized that Cycnoches need very distinct wet and dry periods. Therefore, I keep them consistently wet throughout the spring/summer season. In November I begin significantly reducing water, ultimately bringing the plants indoors after Thanksgiving. They receive NO water during dormancy but I keep the humidity above 50%. I believe that is what has helped greatly reduce the opportunity for rot to set in and for the orchids to decline.

[isurus79]

Ha! Sounds like you've got the culture down! Fred Clarke just sent out an email describing his fall sale. You might need some more Cycnoches

[My Green Pets]

Ha, thanks for the heads up! But upon first review, it appears there are no more Cycnoches on this year's list?

Originally Posted by isurus79

Ha! Sounds like you've got the culture down! Fred Clarke just sent out an email describing his fall sale. You might need some more Cycnoches

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by My Green Pets

Ha, thanks for the heads up! But upon first review, it appears there are no more Cycnoches on this year's list?

Oh, never mind, then!

[marie458]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Oh, never mind, then!

That's ok

Guess what? It appears that Fred still has one cycnoches hybrid available on his website:

SVO 11149
Cyc. NEW HYBRID (Cyc. Melana's Swan 'SVO Dark Wings' x Cyc. (Dark Swan x Providence) 'Chocolate')

Sounds like a very interesting cross. It's supposed to be a very nice dark one with large flowers, too. So, I'm going to check it out!