HOT CYMS.!!! -OR- they all said it couldn't be done!!!

[SouthPark]

DC ----- do you mean:

"Cold-weather-generally-required-for-spike-production category of cyms ------ and they said it couldn't be done?"

In any case ----- that is a spike!!!

[Roberta]

There's Cyms, and then there are summer-blooming Cyms. DC's plant is in the latter category. In short, SP, you should look into these too. Most of the summer-bloom Cyms that don't need the cool-down have smaller flowers (not the big round ones that judges love) but even there, some exceptions. Like Chen's Ruby - classic Cym shape, but still enough ensifolium to not need a chill. JScott's Milton Carpenter should be fine too. You just need to know how to choose them... and cherish the exceptions to the rule. If you can get your hands on a Cym canaliculatum (small flowers, very dark), you should be able to grow and bloom it easily... a Queensland native.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

All I am doing is holding on for the ride!!
I have them all under the eave so they don’t get full full rain

I have a troubled history with warm blooming Cymbidiums, so I'm trying to take it slow this time, so I don't end up with five plants in three gallon pots that have never bloomed even after 5 years, like I did last time I dabbled in Cymbidiums.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Roberta

There's Cyms, and then there are summer-blooming Cyms. DC's plant is in the latter category. In short, SP, you should look into these too.

Thanks Roberta. I agree with you. The plants that I bought are those ones that need the cold-climate conditions to produce the flower spikes, and the chance is probably slim to none for spiking in my tropical conditions here. I'll look into those summer-blooming ones. Thanks again Roberta!

[Keysguy]

My neighbor, who is also an orchid enthusiast, sent me some pictures a couple of days ago from my shadehouse and my Cym. finlaysonianum has yet another spike starting! This thing doesn't seem to care about seasons or weather, it just keeps popping out flowers and it is getting massive.

[DirtyCoconuts]

I am hoping that they get massive AND bloom. I’ll have my property covered with them LOL

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

I am hoping that they get massive AND bloom. I’ll have my property covered with them LOL

You'll have to share progress pics of that developing spike, I'm curious to see it! I've tried my hand at Cyms before, and end up with a giant pot of foliage which maybe makes one spike per year... I donated the plant to my mother since she has space for it, but the problem is still the same; no suitable location for it to get the necessary cool temps!

[estación seca]

I forgot to mention the Cymbidium aloifolium I got from Ray. It has rigid succulent leaves. It tolerates direct Arizona summer sun through a window. It flowers reliably in spring, no matter how warm was the winter. Rats nibble it then leave it alone, so it must taste badly. It is very easy to grow.

[DirtyCoconuts]

that sounds like a sure winner there!!!

[Keysguy]

My finlaysonianum. Neighbor took this photo last Thursday. It had also bloomed in May.