New cymbs coming

[Dollythehun]

Well, my friend, Pam, is always larger than life. This is the "division" she gave me today. It is sitting on a very large Chewy box.

What the heck do I do now? I have NO space for this
It will have to go to the greenhouse 40F. Divide? This is at least a 5 gallon pot!

[estación seca]

40F in the winter is wonderful. These are plants that greatly enjoy very cool winters.

I wouldn't divide until it's spring and it's growing.

[Dollythehun]

It actually looks like it's growing now. I'll have to get machete out to tell. Quarters?

[estación seca]

Her growing area was probably warmer than your greenhouse. I wouldn't divide it yet. It will be fine. The growth will slow down a lot when the temperature goes down. It won't hurt the plant at all.

People who know nothing about orchids grow these just fine outdoors in California. They are down near freezing at night all the time, and they get cold winter rain all the time. They like it. Don't worry.

[Dollythehun]

Estacion, water?

[estación seca]

Yes, they need regular water all year. They use less when it's cool so you can stretch the interval. Let them get near dry when it's cool but not completely dry. As rbarata mentioned, he waters about once every 2 weeks in the winter. His climate is almost the same as southern California, except he has somewhat cooler days. I bet his winter climate and your winter greenhouse have almost the same temperatures.

rbarata describing Cymbidium culture in Portugal

I got an idea - pretend it's not an orchid, it's a really easy-to-grow shrub that just can't take your frost, so you have to bring it in for the winter. Like an oleander, maybe.

[Dollythehun]

Estacion...There is no emoji for me tapping my foot. Small house, Midwest light, cats...Off to the greenhouse it is.

[estación seca]

I must not have been clear. It will be much happier in your greenhouse than in your home.

[Dollythehun]

UR clear. So will I.

[rbarata]

I bet his winter climate and your winter greenhouse have almost the same temperatures.

Right! 40 F in winter nights is the norm here.

Here are climate records of typical winter/summer days (temps, rain and wind). Depending on the year these values can go to extremes.

summer (Aug 2016)

winter (Jan 2000)

Dolly, you need a leap of faith. Put them in the gh (if you have not done it yet) and you'll see them grow even bigger. In summer, or even better, when frost/ice season is over, put them outside.