Cymbidium old and new bulbs

[denvervet]

I live in Denver, we can't put the cyms outside in summer because its too hot, put mine out Sept. 1, nights are getting down to 40. How long should I let it stay out there and ALSO, do the old bulbs from last year bloom as well as the newer ones? I am not sure the new ones will bloom, I had problems with mold gnats this year ALL SUMMER, someone on here told me what the problem was and I fixed it. It may not bloom at all if I cant leave it outside long enough before it hits freezing, its on a protected outside porch. THANKS AS ALWAYS GUYS!

[WhiteRabbit]

Cyms can take heat - tho best to be shaded by midday during heat.

You can leave them outside til threat of frost -tho shelter from frost (sheltered porch) is adequate. They can take temps a bit below freezing for short periods.

I don't think gnats harm the plants.

I think one of our cym experts once posted that SOME Cyms can bloom from older pbulbs, but that would depend on it's heritage I guess, and I wouldn't expect it.

Let us know how it goes!

[denvervet]

Well thank you for clearing that up! It was 35 last night here. It gets cold at night in the desert. The gnats came because the growing medium was old and moldly. We'll see what this cym does. It was my "learning orchid", had so many probs I learned a lot!

[Cym Ladye]

In my opinion, Cyms need to be outside for at least 5 months to do well, grow and mature the new growths for bloom. They will grow in Sacramento, CA with temps often approaching 100F but humidity needs to be around 50%. If you cannot provide this in some way, I recommend you find another orchid genera which will give you pleasure but which you can grow in a fully contained and environmentally controlled greenhouse....or move, whichever is less expensive!

You generally will not get blooms from a previous year's bulb unless the hybrid has a parent from one of the specific species that do re-bloom on the same bulbs.

CL

[denvervet]

Good information to know. I sure will let everyone know if mine blooms. It does not have a tag so I have no idea what it is, my neighbor gave it to me. I appreciate all this information and this forum. This Cym has been such a learning experience given its had its "issues" that I am glad I got it for all that I have learned about infestations, etc.

[orchids3]

My cymbidiums live outside all year in north Florida. Do you think its hotter in Denver than Florida? You need to find someone at a local orchid society that grows cymbidiums. If noone does - mybe pick up another species - but chances are someone around there grows cymbidiums. The cost of heated bench space in winter would limit me more than the summer heat in Denver.

[denvervet]

The problem with Denver is not so much the heat as it is total lack of humidity. Even watered outside bedding plants wilt in the sun when they have full water. I would have to water the cym 2 X a day at least, it just disapates into the air. I always make the joke that when you take a shower here the water is absorbed into your body and none goes down the drain! We'll see what it does, I have no problems with it not blooming, I like the plant anyhow.

[orchids3]

Once lived in Carona Calif and know the humidity problem well. It was less than 5% at times.The plants were sprinkled everyday when it was like that - just after the sun went down and before dark
(if possible) Humidity can be a problem. Just the opposite here in florida. The cymbidiums seem to do ok here but some of the other plants dont dry out at all.

[denvervet]

Its a constant battle, but along they way I learn things. Fortunately I live in a condo downtown that has huge windows and very large skylights, the building was built in 1888. Its not a very large place but it has full bright light and sun. Most of my Orchids like sun, my phals thrive under the skylights with the bright light. Brassia does very well here too. We are so lucky to have this discussion forum!