Clarifying the Culture for Asian Cymbidiums

[Roberta]

I use the 3/16 inch size pumice. You can also use it where you might otherwise use perlite. I use it for my Mediterranean-zone terrestrials where I want about 80% inorganic. When dry (for the summer dormancy) perlite is so light that the pots would blow over too easily, pumice gives a little more weight. I also use a little kanuma for those that want a slightly acidic environment (like Thelymitra and Diuris)

[alecStewart1]

Sounds good, Roberta. My Pinguiculas also might actually like the pumice instead of perlite so I'll probably get some.

One clarifying question, I'm getting mixed information about what kind of growers Cymbidium sinense are.

I've seen cool-intermediate, cool-warm and just intermediate.

However, I've also seen that their upper temperature limit is 80 - 85° Fahrenheit. For lower temps I've seen that they can take a light frost, but generally temps shouldn't get to freezing.

[Roberta]

I have always thought of Cym sinense as a relatively warm grower. But I don't grow it, so can't be sure. "Intermediate" likely works. These species are not as forgiving of extreme temperatures as the larger Cym hybrids and they also are happy with lower light than their big sisters.. So pretty sure you'll be growing them indoors at any rate.

[alecStewart1]

Good to know.

I'd be curious if there's been any effort to make hybrids that have variegation like a lot of these named Asian Cyms do.

I imagine so, but I understand predicting the presence variegation in offspring when one parent has it and the other doesn't is probably a much more of a gamble than what it's likely worth.

I have seen a few crosses with Cym. ensifolium, but none of the ones I've seen are variegated.

[Roberta]

I haven't seen any variegated Cym hybrids. I have a variegated Cym dayanum that grows like a weed... conditions more like the standard Cyms except a bit shadier. No variegated hybrids. Don't know how well variegation is inherited even in the species.

[alecStewart1]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Don't know how well variegation is inherited even in the species.

Hmmm, it'd be interesting to build a rapport with Asian growers and see if they have any idea. Maybe it's also a "it kind of just happens sometimes" kind of thing for them as well.

I think I've seen Ray mention somewhere here that he was at one point was importing a ton of Asian Cymbidiums.

If Asian Cymbidium Empress was here, I'd be curious if they know of any literature from Asia to read on these plants.

[Jmoney]

I only dabble in Asian cyms, so obviously not an expert. I just had an ensifolium and sinense hanging on for many years, actually roots weren't too bad but they just didn't grow very well (I am hoping to rectify that). There is a gentleman Jack Zhu who grows a ton of these, and quite well, as I see his ribbons from his local orchid shows and multiple AOS awards. he sells a mix that is relatively inexpensive and mimics the fancy Japanese/Korean products. He also sells the wonderful trumpet neo pots at great pricing. if there is any interest I'm sure I can get you his contact info, just PM me

[Roberta]

Jack was the orchid club speaker who supplied that "ingredients list". I wasn't at that particular meeting, someone else grabbed the shot of the screen in his presentation. I could likely find you his contact info as well... if you want his email, PM me.

[alecStewart1]

Originally Posted by Jmoney

There is a gentleman Jack Zhu who grows a ton of these, and quite well, as I see his ribbons from his local orchid shows and multiple AOS awards. he sells a mix that is relatively inexpensive and mimics the fancy Japanese/Korean products. He also sells the wonderful trumpet neo pots at great pricing. if there is any interest I'm sure I can get you his contact info, just PM me.

This Jack Zhu?

June 2023 – Jack Zhu | Palomar Orchid Society

That would be great! I'd like to learn more from a master if possible. I'll PM you here in a bit.

[Jmoney]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I haven't seen any variegated Cym hybrids. I have a variegated Cym dayanum that grows like a weed... conditions more like the standard Cyms except a bit shadier. No variegated hybrids. Don't know how well variegation is inherited even in the species.

I think in most cases variegation is inherited only by division. Just like for neos. which is probably why I saw a beautiful goeringii with inner variegation retail for 2g. I'm sure it goes way up from that too!