No flower yet, can it be named?

[Paul Mc]

Sandra75, a month or so ago there was a great thread about telling the difference between a flower stalk and new leaf growth. I don't remember what it was named though. People provided pictures showing the difference between the two, and one person commented that you generally can't tell until the growth is a few inches tall. Another person said that with some practice you can tell by gently squeezing the growth - if it's firm then it's probably leaves, but if it's a bit mushy like something is inside then it is a flower spike.

You might want to search for that thread.

[Sandra75]

Thank you, I will look up!

That Cymbidium has 2 new growths not sure what they are yet but a 3rd one is for sure a bulb.

[Libo]

Sandra, I think it will be fine as long as the drainage is well. Naturally, these asian cymbdiums grow in soil rich in organic matter like half rotten leaves and humus and so on. The key point is that they are mostly not exposed to direct sun, unlike the hybrid cymbidiums, so you can keep it with your phalaenopsis, if you have any. Stronger light may result in more flowers I assume, but the leaves will be yellowish and won't be as attractive. One last thing, if you want to keep the variegation, from what I have heard, you have to do the following:first, stay away from strong light which would turn the white edge green; second, do not add magnesium salt intentionally to your fertilizer which generate chlorophyl; third, use low nitrogen fertilizer. Hope this helps.

Libo

[Sandra75]

Thank you for the info!!

Do you also think that mix is suitable for regular big Cymbidiums? Or those need to add up some bark to it?

Thank you again!!

[Libo]

You are very welcome, Sandra. Honestly speaking, I don't have much experience with regular cymbidiums. I have grown three regular cym. in S/H before, they took it so well that they grew too big and I have to give them away because I don't have enough space! They drank water like a thirsty camel as well...All the other orchid I have I watered them around once a week and often they still have water left in the pot, but the cymbidiums I have to water every 3 to 4 days because in a week it will be bone dry! So I think it would be fine if you just use the more moisture retaining mix. I heard people in California even plant them in the soil with no probelm. Just keep the drainage well so you don't choke the roots. Just a warning, regular cym. can get massive...

Libo

[Libo]

And from my experience, the flower spike looks like a mini asparagus, where a leaf shoot looks like bamboo shoot. Cym. sinense usually flowers from Jan-March, so I don't think a flower spike should be in development, otherwise the flower will come in May or so. Just my opinion.

[Sandra75]

Thanks Libo!
That is good to know! I will give it a try then with that new mix I got. I have a few regular big Cymbidium in huge pots. I guess as long as the extra water can easily come out from the bottom is what matters most?
I have huge pots so I water less since they don't dry out as much as the little pots.

[Libo]

Originally Posted by Sandra75

Thanks Libo!
I guess as long as the extra water can easily come out from the bottom is what matters most?
I have huge pots so I water less since they don't dry out as much as the little pots.

That's exactly what I meant. I envy you people who have large spaces

Anyways, this Chinese cym. should be very rewarding if you like the smell. It's weird though, not everybody can detect it. I found the smell extremely pleasing, while my wife can't detect anything at all...If you want a even smaller cymbidium with a huge fragrance, try cym. ensifolium, and that one is fabulous.

[Libo]

I took back what I said. I just searched on some Chinese websites on the flower spike, and the flower spike does not look like asparagus until very lately. So I guess I can't tell the difference at this early stage. I hope what Paul said can help you.

[Sandra75]

Thanks!

I guess when they are still small is hard to tell. Here is a pic of my Chinese Cymbidium. You can see one at the right and more at the left there is a new tiny one growing!

I wish I could have another miniature Cymbidium. They are just harder to find in Canada. This one cost me $50 !