Help with my first Cymbidium

[GloriaGatti]

Hi everyone,

I just purchased my first 2 cymbidiums. They will arrive bare-root some time next week and I need a little advice on potting and initial care.

I grow my phals in an E/NE window under suplementary lights. Should I put the cymbidiums there or can they go outside? I live near Dallas and it gets REALLY hot here!

Also - what is the best potting procedure for these guys?

Thanks for your help!

[cabbo]

I'm new to cym's and am no expert, From what I understand they love to be outside and can handle daytime heat but like cool night temps. like 55-75. Watch out for midday direct sun. And gradually adjust them to life outside. I'm sure the more experianced members will chime in and have some better answers.

[BikerDoc5968]

For starters go to the AOS and read their culture notes....

AOS | Cymbidium

[GloriaGatti]

Thanks - will do BikerDoc.

[smweaver]

Gloria, you can also find some useful information on the Cymbidium Society of America's website:

Cymbidium Society of America: Cymbidium Culture

Depending on what kind of cymbidiums you bought (species or hybrids, standard-sized or miniature asian varieties, etc.), the care will vary a little. But, in general, the vast majority of cymbidiums that are widely grown today are large hybrids that like to have a moisture-retaining potting mix (small-grade fir bark, perlite, a little chopped sphagnum moss, etc.) that's free-draining (avoid typical garden soil). They produce massive root systems, but make sure that your pot is sized correctly for the plant (just big enough for maybe a couple of years of growth). After you pot your plants, put them in a relatively shady location. If the light's okay for your phals, it should be fine for the cymbidiums until they get established and produce new growths and new roots. Keep them a bit on the dryish side too after they get potted up. Once they start producing their new growths and roots and become established in their new pots, however, they're going to need a lot more light than what keeps phalaenopsis happy, and they'll want to be watered and fertilized regularly (I don't let my cymbidiums get completely dry during the growing season like the cattleyas get). They can actually handle more light than most cattleyas. But the trick for you will be to balance light levels and high temperatures. If your growing area experiences really high temperatures, you're not going to be able to give your cymbidiums the same light levels that growers in traditionally cymbidium-friendly areas of the country like San Francisco and the Pacific Northwest routinely give theirs (keep that in mind when you're reading the CSA's cultural information page, which was written primarily with these growers in mind). Best of luck with your plants.

Steve

[GloriaGatti]

Steve, Thank you so much for your help. I'll keep that in mind when I read the Cymbidium Society's culture seets.

I purchased inexpensive miniatures because I know Cyms can get REALLY large and I wanted to start with something reasonably priced (in case.)

I thouhgt I would try growing them on my porch where it's shaded most of the day - and bring them in when it gets too hot.

Gloria

[orchids3]

Gloria,
You do have a lot to learn about Cym's if you are going to grow them in the shade. The AOS isnt too good on cymbidiums the CSA recomended above is. This web site will help you. Basic Cymbidium Culture
congratulations on choosing cymbidiums - the are the most rewarding of all the orchids to grow in my opinion. I have around 2000. Good luck.

[GloriaGatti]

Hi Orchids3 - I appreciate your help. I'm impressed with your collection.

No - I guess I wasn't clear in my description. I was concerned about the hot Texas summer sun so I thought I'd go to a partial sun arrangement. My porch has good strong morning sun with afternoon shade.

Is that too much shade? Can they be acclimated to full Texas sun??? I'm originally from NJ and always grew orchids with lower light requirements. My Phals and Dends would curl up with that much direct sun.

Thanks, Gloria

[cb977]

The key for getting my Cyms to bloom is "as much sun as they can take without burning the leaves" (mine are on the lanai in almost full Florida sun, the screening on the pool cage provides just about 20% shading) and leaving them out on the lanai when the night temps dip into the 40s. If it is expected to go to the 30's, I bring them into the orchid room.

[cabbo]

Originally Posted by orchids3

Gloria,
You do have a lot to learn about Cym's if you are going to grow them in the shade. The AOS isnt too good on cymbidiums the CSA recomended above is. This web site will help you. Basic Cymbidium Culture
congratulations on choosing cymbidiums - the are the most rewarding of all the orchids to grow in my opinion. I have around 2000. Good luck.

Thanks for that link, great info!