New Growths

[billbruhm]

All of my cymbidiums are throwing out new growths. I live in eastern Canada where the days are getting longer. Should I be increasing the amount of watering I do and should I be fertilizing them? I water once a week and haven't fertilized since November. Bill

[WhiteRabbit]

Hi Bill

I'm in Northern California and my cyms are also getting new growth, but still don't seem to need watering very often at all - once or twice a month. Tho I would guess yours are inside and perhaps the air is drier from heating?
I would just water as often as necessary to keep them from drying out. Not sure about fert. I fertilize mine when I remember in the winter - they are outside and don't get watered much at all in winter.

I am sure some members who have similar growing conditions or more knowledge than I do will chime in

[stonedragonfarms]

Bill: some growers fertilize all winter, some do not. I tend to not fertilize spiking plants (even if they are showing new growth as well), but I do fertilize non-spiking plants. I am in Northern Michigan, though I am growing in a greenhouse, not indoors. I am with rabbit on watering, your plants should never dry out, but should be constantly "just moist"; in the winter I water about once every ten days (as opposed to daily in late spring, summer and early fall). What type of media your plants are in, daytime temps and what the pots are made of will all affect your winter watering, as will exposure to light and movement of air & humidity. Can you tell us a bit more about where you are growing your plants, and the day/night temps?
Good growing,
Adam