Getting cymbidiums to spike in hot areas.

[orchids3]

To comment about what should be obvious. Potting media, rain, temperature fertilizer and our cultural habits are all interdependant. When asking a question about one you should consider the others. In a forum that includes all locations - at least pick out the growing areas that match your own.

Pot cooling is good with clay pots as well.

Comments about cold initating spikes puzzle me a little. The only species that really requires cold to initiate spikes is hookerianum the rest just like cool nights in the summer (55F). That is what I believe.

[Miki]

For the cooler blooming Cyms. I did try putting ice cubes in the pot (filled to top), every night, for about a month. Did not initiate any spikes. Plants grew okay.

Perhaps ice water will cool the media and plant faster.

[orchids3]

Miki
I know of people who try Ice here in Florida but have never heard of anyone having success doing it. Bob Harris come into the forum sometimes and grows in Hawaii. Maybe he will post for you but I believe he grows the cooler types up a mountain which provides the right temperatures for the type. He grows the hoter ones lower down. Wish I could help more, but can only relate what has helped me grow in Florida (No mountains). As I said earlier - select the right types - thats the best way to get flowers.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by orchids3

Miki
I know of people who try Ice here in Florida but have never heard of anyone having success doing it. ...... As I said earlier - select the right types - thats the best way to get flowers.

Orchids3,

I totally agree with you on this! But I will take it a step further. My mind is boggled with the incredible efforts people take to grow Cymbidiums under absolutely non-compatible circumstances just so they can say they have bloomed a Cymbidium! I live in Northern California where natural conditions are ideal for Cymbidiums but absolutely not for Vandas, for instance.

So would I ever try growing Vandas or even certain plants in the Cattleya alliance or other warm growers? No. Certainly I might get a few to grow and maybe even bloom with a very substandard flower count, but unless I invested in a great deal of time and money to build structures to house these plants, I would surely be disappointed in the end. And they certainly are not as space consuming as Cymbidiums.

Therefore, in my opinion, it all goes back to what you said, Orchids3, "...select the right types - thats the best way to get flowers" ....of any genus.

CL

[Vanda lover]

I live in Canada and grow a vanda that blooms 3 to 4 times a year. I grow it inside my home during the winter, and outside during the summer. People stare at it on our front porch all summer.
It really does depend on which variety you grow, just as it does with cymbidiums.

[Bluey]

Thanks to everyone for your advice.

[Bobfharris]

Please please follow the advice of CL and Orchids3. Find the cymbidium that is right for your growing conditions and work with that. I grow all kinds here in Hawaii by taking advantage of the climates that range from hot tropical to snow temperate. I try them out and test them. So I'm learning over a period of years exactly which ones work where. There are actually quite a few nice ones in the Peter Pan lineage that have rather nice flowers and will grow in a wide range of climates. They are not the 5-6" standard cool weather ones, but one of the largest is Milton Carpenter which is about 4" across and very warm tolerant.
What I suggest is you post your location for growing, list the day and night temps for the spring, summer, and fall and whether you have frost in the winter and you can get suggestions. Santa Barbara Orchid Estate does list a section called warm tolerant and you can search the listing there. It's not always accurate and some cool ones do grow where it is warmer which is why I suggest posting your climate.
Remember there IS a cymbidium for you, but you have to find the right ones. Stop trying to ice the little critters.

[Bluey]

Thanks for your reply. I wish i had years to play with.
And of course, lots of dollars. I have learnt so much from people like you and others. Living in Australia, it is difficult to buy plants from overseas. But i have come across a few friendly people who have offered to help steer me in the right direction.
I often look at your site Bob. You are always so willing to give help and advice even when there is no financial gain for you. More power to people like you who have a passion in their life.
B.

[Bobfharris]

Dear Cymbidium Addict.

You have me blushing..I'm very happy that you are enjoying cymbidiums and can share the passion..

Aloha

[Rachelle-lapensee]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I lived in Ontario Canada and accidentally left my Cymbidium out when it went below freezing. The soil in the pot was frozen solid, so I thought that I had killed it. I brought it in and it bloomed like crazy! So, I doubt that a little ice around the roots would kill it. I would wait until the coolest time of year, though.

I live I Ontario, Canada and I have just Purchased my first Cym!! I have never had one before and am used to growing Phals. how easy was it for you to take care of it through the seasons????