New cymbs coming

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

I saw that our CA grower recommends 50/50 sun & shade. Let me add to that:

Lois Duffin (Philly) uses 20% shade cloth while they are outdoors.

Waldor Orchids (Atlantic City) is using 35% shade cloth while they are outdoors.

I grow mine (50-75 plants) in north/central NJ in full sun (requires heavy watering twice a week if there is no rain). I do get a few minor leaf burns, but the plants grow so much better in high light.

We also feed heavily:
20-25% composted manure in the potting mix.
A handful of NutraCote in each pot when they go out.
We water with Peters 20-20-20 every 2 weeks.

This photo shows the main Cymbidium bench last summer. As you can see, plants are not showing ill effects of being in full sun all day.

Actually, Kim, I was thinking the same thing about full sun. I think Cymb ladye has "hotter" sun than me. So, I am getting the picture. I'm going to put these with my Epi radicans. Then to the greenhouse the last second before frost (and hope my backup Heater works) Last question: Do you use bark?
Very helpful, thank you.

[Fairorchids]

I use a mix consisting of:

3 parts chunky peat (I get it from Roberts Flower Supply)
2 parts composted manure (Home Depot)
1 part bark (Cattleya size)
1 part perlite (medium size)

For very large plants, I also add 1 part of LECA (Aliflor) nuggets

You can also add leaf mulch.

[rbarata]

My climate is, probably, much different from yours so...

Winter (avg min-max): 0 to 12 ºC (32 to 53 F) / HR: 80 to 100 % => water once every 2 weeks, sometimes more.

summer (avg min-max): 16 to 35 ºC (61 to 95 F) / Hr: 10 to 20 % => water 2 to 3 times week

medium: coarse large bark only

Temps above are averages, in winter it can go down to -3ºC (26,6 F) and in summer goes frequently to 40ºC (104 F).

I have them in a north balcony, they get no frost and the only sun they get,e roughly, is for 2 hrs by the end of the day.

I don't pay much attention to them 'cause they grow very well without special care.

[Dollythehun]

Wow. Amazing. I think I'd like to live by you. That is also helpful. It's like putting a puzzle together. This is another piece. Thank you.

[rbarata]

My "interpretation" of their care is: no frost and water when they seem to be thirsty.
No frost is mandatory and water, even if they are not looking thirsty, if I have time I water them (unless they are already swimming). They like lots of water and fert.

[Cym Ladye]

My recommendation for 50/50 sun/shade is a general statement for Cyms. They should get enough sun just short of burning the leaves. If the climate is super humid, they can tolerate more sun. If dry, much less sun.

Many growers do not have the option of a greenhouse or lath houses for outside growing. For those, place the Cyms on the east side of a large tree so they get morning sun and afternoon shade.

I live in Northern California and I use 45% shade cloth over supports. The humidity averages 50% during the summer but the sun is hotter. Many plants grow under large oaks with filtered sun all day. What you use all depends on your climate conditions and bench set-up.

As to potting mix, there are hundreds of different 'recipes' out there. Take your choice and go with what works the best for you.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks all! You have each given me a piece and some confidence.

[rbarata]

As to potting mix, there are hundreds of different 'recipes' out there. Take your choice and go with what works the best for you.

My experience teold me that, using only bark, the smaller the bark the smaller the growth. Better use large instead of medium.

[Dollythehun]

I have sifted this advice and so appreciate it. In this case, the differing opinions are helpful! Kim's potting mix isn't practical for me for just a couple plants. I plan to buy a cymb mix from repot me. Cymbladye's light advice couple with Kim's zone was helpful and I know full sun here will probably work. Rbarata's temp helps me to know you leave them out until the last gasp of warm air and head them to the 40F greenhouse until buds are set. I didn't plan on these plants coming to me but, I think I can do it! Thank you all!

[rbarata]

You'll find them really easy to grow, just beware of frost.
And if you'll see ugly leaves, with lots of spots and such, don't worry...cymbs have the uglieast leaves I've ever seen in orchids.