New cymbs coming

[Dollythehun]

Of course I can read the sticky. It would be helpful to have some tips if anyone is growing cymbs in the Midwest.

My friend is giving me a noid cymb and I just ordered a cymb " Pipeta Magenta." The first full size the later a mini. I see an old post from Stonedragonfarms that Adam grew the later but, not much culture info. Can anyone chime in?

[Cym Ladye]

You treat the minis just like you do the standards. Outside in the summer in 50/50 sun/shade, preferably morning sun. Bring inside in a cool, bright room in the fall when frost threatens and take outside in the spring when all danger of freeze is past. Perhaps this will help.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks,dry winter rest?

[Cym Ladye]

No. Cyms need water and fertilizer all year. Just less of both. I would suggest a 13-13-13 balanced slow release fertilizer to apply on the top of the pot so each time you water, a little is released to the plant. Simple but effective for only two plants.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks, they are kinda out of my wheelhouse. If they can take 40f, they can go to the greenhouse.

[Cym Ladye]

Absolutely! Cyms will take down to 28F in a pinch but only for a few hours. The spikes may be damaged if they get below 32F for the same. You sound like you have the perfect winter home for them. Good Luck!!!

[Leafmite]

I don't grow any but a member of our OS grows gorgeous Cymbidiums in full hydroponics. I never pay much attention to the rest of it since I do not grow any of these but it is difficult not to notice them all when she brings them into our meetings and has them in our Orchid Society's display. She had a bunch in bloom last Monday for the past weekend's Cleveland, Ohio show. I could check with her when I next see her for the other details if you want advice from the same climate. Cym Ladye is an expert with them, though, so it is great that she has given you advice. She would know the light, temperatures, fertilizing, etc.

Good luck with them!

[Cym Ladye]

I have a curious question Leafmite. How does your friend bring her fully hydroponically grown plants in for display?

[Dollythehun]

The perfect home IF the heat stays on. We're working on a new method.

[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.