Transporting Pendulous Cymbidiums

[skirincich]

Any suggestions on how to transport a pendulous cymbidium while avoiding damage to flowers?

Thanks,
Steve

[Roberta]

You can get a clothes pole that fits across the back seat (held in place by the windows). Then, be sure to tie it in place so that it doesn't go sliding from side to side when you turn a corner. Or, depending on vehicle and plant size, you can gengly lay it down on the back seat, perhaps cushioned by something like pillows, or a pile of bubble wrap. Usually, you can avoid damage even thought the flowers are resting on a surface. The most important thing is to secure it so it doesn't move, it's not the contact with surfaces that is particularlly damaging, it is banging against surfaces. Motion is the enemy.

[Tony Meola]

Try tying it up. A friend of mine just used a long piece of Velcro to wrap around the whole plant to hold the leaves and flowers upright.

[skirincich]

Thanks for the helpful advice!

[Fairorchids]

Long ago article in the AOS bulletin:

Cut a piece of plywood, about 12" square.
Attach an eyebolt to each corner (screw a 1" board on first).
Place a large pot upside down, centered on the board.
Balance the Cymbidium on top of the pot.
Strap it in with bungee cords from eye to eye, across the plant. Make sure than bungees are tight.

If the plant only has inflorescences in some directions:

Place a bucket upside down on passenger seat.
Place Cymbidium on top, with non-flower side against the backrest.
Run a bungee cord from head rest post, around the plant, and back to the other post.