Cymbidium growing cycle

[gngrhill]

I bought a single growth cymbidium last year, probably a seedling, about 8 inches tall. It is now about 10 inches tall, and still a single growth. I know it will not bloom until it matures, but can anyone tell me how long it will be until it starts a new growth ? Or even how many years before it thinks about blooms?

[Optimist]

How much sun and now much water are you giving it? Mine are nearly full sun. They are also very greedy and want daily watering, and yet, can also survive without but their growth slows down to nothing. Cimbidiums are not inside plants.

[gngrhill]

They are actually perched out in my driveway where they can get full sun until around 3 oclock, then it's filtered. My bigger one has 2 new growths about half grown, but I still don't see anything on the little one.

[Cym Ladye]

How long has it been in the pot? Try repotting it in fresh mix in no bigger than a 4" to 5" pot. It also may be getting too much sun. Seedlings tend to like a shadier environment in the beginning.

You should have gotten a second growth within the first year. On an average, a Cym will bloom on its third bulb but the rate of reaching that 3rd bulb can be anywhere from 3 years to 7+ years!

[gngrhill]

thanks for your input, Cymlady. I potted it fresh when I got it into a 4 inch pot. That was In February, 2015. It appears to be very healthy, just no new growth. I will move it into a spot where it doesn't get as much sun and see what happens. Any other tips ? If it takes up to 7 years to bloom, I may not live long enough to see the blooms.

[Cym Ladye]

gngrhill, never give up hope on blooming. Always be optimistic! You did not say what you were using in regard to fertilizer. As you only mentioned having two Cyms, I would recommend finding a balanced granular type, slow release fertilizer as 13-13-13 or 20-20-20 and apply according to the directions. Then every time you water or it rains it will get the necessary nutrients. Yes, there are formulations you can mix up weekly/weakly but this is quick and simple for the busy hobbyist with only a few plants. Cyms are voracious feeders, especially during the summer. Lack of enough nutrients may be one reason your seedling has not yet produced a new growth.

[gngrhill]

I have been fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer every other week since spring. Once a month during previous winter. I only have 2 Cyms, but have a total of 86 orchids. I am still learning with all of them trying to figure out how much light is too much, how hot they can really take. Water , if I keep guessing, I'll finally get it right. I am just starting to get some reblooming this year. and am keeping most of them alive and actually bringing some back from the brink.
Thanks for your help with this new to me project. The bigger plant has 2 new growths, so I hope to get spikes on that one, and the baby I'm just trying for new growth.

[Cym Ladye]

It sounds as if you are on the right track on all fronts. Just be patient and good things will happen ... eventually.

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

It sounds as if you are on the right track on all fronts. Just be patient and good things will happen ... eventually.

Thanks