rescue cymbidium

[weederwoman]

I have a cymbidium rescued from an abandoned greenhouse that I am trying to grow back to health. It is basically just one backbulb with a few leaves maybe 4" tall growing from the base. It is a standard. I'm bothering because it is an awarded old variety. My instinct is to give it "summer" treatment this winter in my greenhouse under lights (we have very dark winters here in Oregon), with an initial mild dose of rooting hormone. My thermostat is set at a 62 degree low. I have a cool 40 degree low area, but I think it needs more TLC to make it. It will be my first cymbidium so any tips will be appreciated. Thanks.

It is Featherhill 'Heritage" AM/RHS AM /AOS
Mary Ireland 1956

[WhiteRabbit]

I agree

[weederwoman]

Thanks. This cym. and the dendrobiums are my first plants that need a cold winter temp., so I'm playing this all by ear. All the info. I read is about established plants that you are trying to get to bloom, not stressed babies you are trying to get to live.

[Cym Ladye]

I would treat it like a seedling through this winter and possibly next winter by keeping it in the greenhouse. You may have to put it outside during the summer for the light it requires. Get it growing strongly. No need to cool it off, as it will just slow the growth. When it gets a mature third bulb, you should get a spike, which I suspect will be about 3 years from now and by then you will have potted it up to a one gallon pot.

Good luck,

Cym Ladye

[weederwoman]

Thanks. Do you have a source for info on raising seedling cyms? I'm guessing softer light and weaker fertilizer than established adult plants, plus, as you mentioned, warmer winter temps. I could make room under either T8 or T5 lights for the winter.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by weederwoman

Thanks. Do you have a source for info on raising seedling cyms? I'm guessing softer light and weaker fertilizer than established adult plants, plus, as you mentioned, warmer winter temps. I could make room under either T8 or T5 lights for the winter.

Cym seedlings want good light inside but can stand the weekly 1/4 strength fertilizer you should be feeding all your mature plants during year. The BB you have is lending support to the growth on it and the growth can easily take the weekly 1/4 strength.

CL

[Bud]

abandoned green house is a bit disturbing....yet you found orchids still alive....

I suggest you follow the Baker culture for these plants and since you have your own green house then this plants are in safe hands....you need not give it an ICU care since it is not dying or bug infested....just continue the care and you are set.

Orchid Culture -- Charles and Margaret Baker