Australian cymbidium species

[OrchidLover1982]

What about Cymbidium suave or Cymbidium madidum. These are both tough plants and will tolerate wetness and humidity and quite a range of temperatures. Much better than the dry loving canaliculatum which grows in drier areas of tropical/subtropical Australia and doesn't like the humidity or wetness we have here. suave and madidum grow closer to the coast in wetter areas. These two are both abundant where i live and well worth growing. should thrive in florida climate. A well growin suave in full flower is quite a sight and they develop these long pendulous stems up to about a metre long (hence the common name snake orchid).

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by OrchidLover1982

What about Cymbidium suave or Cymbidium madidum.

I guess it really depends on where Chococatte will be growing them. Given that Australian midnight and canaliculatum are being thrown up as options for someone indoors, I'm going to assume they going to be grown indoors or in a heated greenhouse. While suave or madidum will grow well in a greenhouse, I would think Cym madidum is probably a better option for growing indoors. It tolerates lower light than the two other Australian species. Unlike suave (or canalicultum for that matter) it's happy to be repotted so you can grow it like any other Cym assuming you keep it on the intermediate/warm side. The only problem I see is that, for a plant with such tiny flowers, it grows into a monster so space is a necessity indoors.

Most well grown Cym suave I've seen are grown in either long pipes or hollow logs to accommodate the root system and this is certainly how I grow mine. I can't say I've seen a good (large) plant in a pot. No doubt most people stick it in a log and leave it to its own devices so they don't have to deal with its intolerance of repotting. Growing it like this is fine outdoors or in a greenhouse but if Chococatte grows indoors, a huge, immovable container may not be particularly convenient.

[Chococatte]

Originally Posted by OrchidLover1982

What about Cymbidium suave or Cymbidium madidum. These are both tough plants and will tolerate wetness and humidity and quite a range of temperatures. Much better than the dry loving canaliculatum which grows in drier areas of tropical/subtropical Australia and doesn't like the humidity or wetness we have here. suave and madidum grow closer to the coast in wetter areas. These two are both abundant where i live and well worth growing. should thrive in florida climate. A well growin suave in full flower is quite a sight and they develop these long pendulous stems up to about a metre long (hence the common name snake orchid).

I got to have Cymbidium Australian Midnight 'Black Beauty'

Cymbidium madidum and suave are ok. I'm drawn to color on canalicultum. What are your temps & relative humidity in your area? We've been getting some decent rain showers here in Central FL lately, it will get pretty dry here on, out until November.

[Chococatte]

I don't have a greenhouse for now :-P, I grow 'chids outdoors. I'm looking for orchids that will tolerate high temps 90's and humidity (50%-70%).

[OrchidLover1982]

Cymbidium madidum and suave are ok. I'm drawn to color on canalicultum

haha ok, yes canaliculatum does come in a range of colours. I just wish it would grow better where i am (Our summers are just too humid.) and it never seems to thrive here. It likes a dry climate and can tolerate extreme heat and cold.

[orchids3]

Maybe some time in the future we can trade divisions but Little Black Sambo is not ready to divide yet. I usually do the Gainsville show (display for Jacksonville) ask for the guy that grows cymbidiums. I wish we could get an orchid society dedicated to cymbidiums somewhere in North Florida even if it involved several cities and moved the meeting around each month. They are such neat plants.

[orchids3]

Madidum grows well in Florida. Have not tried sauve but have recently aquired "Val Peck" which is 50% sauve. I understand it is very similar to a pure sauve. Am really interested in how it does. It will be a while before I know. What is hard to grow somewhere else may just be the plant for Florida.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Chococatte

I don't have a greenhouse for now :-P, I grow 'chids outdoors. I'm looking for orchids that will tolerate high temps 90's and humidity (50%-70%).

High temps aren't really the problem. It's the winter lows that can cause difficulties. I assume, as you've put zone 8b in your details, your temps get down to 15F hence why I assumed you'd be growing your other cyms in a greenhouse of indoors. All 3 of the Australian species are warm tolerant. As far as winter, Cym suave is the most cost tolerant and mine take take brief temps down to 32F. While I've had Cym madidum take temps down to 32F they can go backwards if you're not careful about the watering. A bit more warmth in winter will definitely make it happier. Cym canaliculatum prefers warm to intermediate conditions although as others have said this species favours drier conditions and low humidity especially in winter. It can take winter temps into the 30's but you have to keep it very dry to avoid it rotting.

[Chococatte]

Originally Posted by orchids3

Orchid wiz is the best program I have seen for determining what makes up a Hybrid - and there are pictures. It is loaded with useful information. It gets my vote as a top notch aid in studying Orchids. Worth the price.

I will add to my wish list for christmas present.

[Chococatte]

I'll keep that added advise in mind. Winter temps dip down into the 30's here in Gainesville, FL. I will be moving my collection indoors during the winter to protect them from the bitter cold and frost. Thank everyone for their advise and recommendations as well.

Originally Posted by Andrew

High temps aren't really the problem. It's the winter lows that can cause difficulties. I assume, as you've put zone 8b in your details, your temps get down to 15F hence why I assumed you'd be growing your other cyms in a greenhouse of indoors. All 3 of the Australian species are warm tolerant. As far as winter, Cym suave is the most cost tolerant and mine take take brief temps down to 32F. While I've had Cym madidum take temps down to 32F they can go backwards if you're not careful about the watering. A bit more warmth in winter will definitely make it happier. Cym canaliculatum prefers warm to intermediate conditions although as others have said this species favours drier conditions and low humidity especially in winter. It can take winter temps into the 30's but you have to keep it very dry to avoid it rotting.