Spike time

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

I'm sure glad I read this thread! I'm totally new to cymbidiums. I bought 3 at the beginning of the Summer. They've been outside until about 2 weeks ago when we had night time temps flirting with going low 40's or even high 30's. I wasn't sure if they'd be OK for that.

Anyhow, all three plants have active new growth. But on the largest of the three I noticed a different growth that was darker and more purpleish, less green like the others. I lightly squeezed it an found it to not be firm like the others as well. I thought maybe the change in environment had prompted this younger growth to rot and was considering cutting it off after a week or so if it still looked the same. But now that I've found this thread I know it's most likey a spike!!!! It looks just like the spike in the first pic of the thread. Whew! That was a close one.

[WhiteRabbit]

thats great musclegirl!
I leave mine outside year round. Even the coldest nights here wont be much below freezing, and even that doesn't happen often and not til January. I do move them onto the covered porch against the house wall if seems there may be a frost or temps closer to freezing. I suppose if we had a more severe cold spell they would come inside for the duration.

It's so exciting when they spike, isn't it? I'm having the hankering for more cyms now - haven't had a new one for a couple of years at least! lol

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Well then I might just stick them back out. That will free up some space under the lights! If you're able to do it there in Nor-Cal, I should be OK in the Valley too. My back yard is pretty protected. I can always put them in the back porch if it's going to get real cold.

[WhiteRabbit]

Yeah, I would agree. I'm in San Jose, might stay a bit warmer here, but I know the coldest temps don't usually hit until January.

[William Jeff Trimble]

Yes, the coldest sometimes are in January. But the coldest temps in the last 30 years in San Jose-Bay Area were in late February before the POE show!

Jeff

[lindad3406]

Originally Posted by stonedragonfarms

Linda: I think this one will probably be in bloom in the next 45 days or so; warmer nights (above mid 40's, but below 55F) will hurry things along... though what's the rush? Nice looking spike, great growing!
Adam

Thanks, Adam. OHHHH, That will be in the middle of winter. I was hoping that this orchid would wait until spring. I thought winter was not bloom time for them. OH well. What ever will be will be.

[Tsuchibuta]

Does anybody know when Cym. tracyanum usually spikes? I have a division that hasn't bloomed yet and curious when it might.

[stonedragonfarms]

Linda: probably 2/3 of cultivated cymbidiums will bloom sometime between November and April (in the Northen Hemisphere at any rate...), just like most cultivated plants, there are some which bloom early in the season (tracyanum, November Woods, Golden Elf--though it will bloom 2x-3x a year under perfect conditions), some which bloom mid season (Lovely Witch, Lady Bug, Gladys Whitsell) and some that bloom near the end of the season (Enzan, ensifolium, Black Silk)...and then there are the ones that are being developed to bloom later (hybrids using suave or madidum...)
Tsuchibuta: tracyanum will usually be in low spike to mid spike right now; it's usually one of the first species cymbids to bloom in the fall months.
Adam

[stonedragonfarms]

Hello all, here are a few more pics now that the plants are further along. I took these yesterday morning. Enjoy!
Adam

[Don Perusse]

Very interesting Adam. I see that you have yours planted in what appears to be coconut husk chips or is that just a top dressing? I have only a couple but mine is in more of a terrestrial mix with good drainage. I've always said whatever works for you is best, all others are guidelines. Hope to see pics. when they are in bloom.