Cym canaliculatum in nature

[Roy]

For those who grow Cym canaliculatum, here is a snap of a plant growing 50 feet off the ground in centre of a dead tree branch. This snap was taken on Magnetic Island, off Townsville Nth Queensland Australia.

[smweaver]

Very cool, Roy. I would love to find this species over here somewhere (especially the standard variety with the green/yellow/brown flowers). Do you grow this species?

Steve

[Roy]

I used to Steve. I will get another plant some time. The plant you describe is not all that pretty, the sparkesii ( black one ) is much more showy but a little harder to grow. The very rare alba ( all green ) one is very nice but expensive to but if you can and its not easy to grow.

[smweaver]

The sparkesii variety is the only one that's usually available for sale here, Roy. I like the plant itself, but I'm not overly fond of the dark red flowers (and I know that puts me in the minority as far as taste goes). I've never seen pictures of a plant that has alba flowers. I bet that would be quite expensive.

[Roy]

They are expensive but mainly kept in collections and not sold. There are lots of different colors available also other than the red one and the one you want with most being available through private growers in Queensland.

[smweaver]

Looks like I need to make a trip to Queensland. I do have a Cymbidium madidum. Just figured it might like some company from a fellow "countryman."

[Roy]

What size are the bulbs on your madidum ????

[smweaver]

I got it a couple of years ago as a seedling. So I don't think that it's mature yet (from what I've read--since I haven't seen one firsthand before--I think that this species gets pretty large when it's an adult, doesn't it?). The largest bulb is around two inches tall--and it looks quite fat. I'll take a couple of pictures for you within the next day or two. Do you grow madidum?

[Roy]

If you have the standard maddidum, when the plant matures, it can develope bulbs about the size of 5 inch pot, to give a comparison. A bit of culture advice for Aussie Cyms. As the weather warms up heading into summer, start watering frequently. In the heat of summer dont let the plant dry out and feed lightly but every 2nd day. As the weather starts to cool, ease off the water and food. In the cold months water only when the mix is completely dry.
No, dont grow it anymore. My collection is limited to about 1200 Paphs with some Phrags, Aerides, Ascocendas & Vandas plus a few associated genera.

[Chubidubi]

That is awesome.