Vernalizing Cypripedium.

[smartie2000]

If you suggest a freezer chest, then I am assuming that Cyp. parviflorum, reginae, etc. can be vernalized at below zero degrees celius temperatures. (correct?)
Makes sense since they are hardy to zone 2. But I cannot say that is the same for all cyps.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by smartie2000

If you suggest a freezer chest, then I am assuming that Cyp. parviflorum, reginae, etc. can be vernalized at below zero degrees celius temperatures. (correct?)
Makes sense since they are hardy to zone 2. But I cannot say that is the same for all cyps.

Freezing any Cyp is NOT a good idea. They will almost certainly die. The hardiness zone is misleading. Although the air temperature may be -40 C in the winter, it is not that cold under the snow and the leaves that cover the plants. It is in reality right around zero at the root zone.

Not only does the literature state this, but I've learned it from experience.

[terrestrial_man]

WOW! Don't recall saying anything about FREEZING the vernalized plants! Be sure to get a freezer chest that has a temperature control dial and you may want to set the system up on a timer.
Hmm. The idea of using a top dressing mulch over the potted plants sounds interesting too.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by terrestrial_man

WOW! Don't recall saying anything about FREEZING the vernalized plants! Be sure to get a freezer chest that has a temperature control dial and you may want to set the system up on a timer.

Yeah that's what I assumed - just wanted to clarify.

The ideal temperature for vernalizing Cyps is around 3 C, I've found.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I understand not to freeze the vernalized Cyps.

But as terrestrial_man had mentioned, the freezer chest does have a flip top cover and it has a couple dials for temperature control. Our current one used for food is not set on freezer mode, but it is fully capable of performing such a task.

Cyp plectrochilum is actually a species that covers a wide range of altitudes. From what I understand, they can be found as low as 1,900 m in elevation. I wouldn't be surprised if they were also found in slightly lower altitudes as well, (I'm guessing, probably around 1,500 m).

[Becca]

Wow this is all new to me and fun to read....not sure if it is something I want to try....sounds like a lot of work. On the other hand....I guess I could find a way to justify a several thousand dollar appliance...lol. Look at how expensive greenhouses are....and I dumped a lot of money into my first orchidarium.....it was worth it! See....justified!

[got ants]

Looking for a second hand appliance> check Craigslist.

Here, I already did all the work for you..

Los Angeles

Appliances

Refrigerator

los angeles appliances classifieds "refrigerator" - craigslist

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by got ants

Looking for a second hand appliance> check Craigslist.

Here, I already did all the work for you..

Los Angeles

Appliances

Refrigerator

los angeles appliances classifieds "refrigerator" - craigslist

Whoa! Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Becca

Wow this is all new to me and fun to read....not sure if it is something I want to try....sounds like a lot of work. On the other hand....I guess I could find a way to justify a several thousand dollar appliance...lol. Look at how expensive greenhouses are....and I dumped a lot of money into my first orchidarium.....it was worth it! See....justified!

For the particular Cyp I'm talking about, there's not much work involved in dormancy.

Heck growing it out wasn't even hard at all!

I took the cue from my Bletilla striata as to when I should remove the Cyp from the fridge. In essence dormancy was only between 3 to 4 months.

From there on, it only took it between 2 to 3 weeks to bloom! Cyp plectrochilum is apparently not rare in the wild from what I understand. I've also been reading that they self readily, have a high percentage of setting fruit, and has a high seed yield. It is also a much more temperature tolerant Cyp (I'm speaking in relative terms).

And yeah, apparently they still need to be stuck in a fridge to vernalize even though they're more "temperature tolerant" than most Cyps.

According to what I've been researching as far as the habitat locality, the part of China this plant is from is very close in latitude to Southern California, so I'm assuming the day length is roughly the same.

I just planted the sucker in a pot with a mix that I thought it would like, and I stuck the pot and all in a secluded part of the fridge.

I didn't even really water it often. I would say once every two or three weeks, I'd pull it out and check on it and water sparingly.

It's just that I got caught with the plant in the fridge. Normally it would've been a big fuss, but this time I was just told to buy my own fridge.

I often forgot that I even had it in the fridge!

The added advantage is that this plant is a miniature amongst the genus. It doesn't get larger than 4" from what I gather.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I want to make it clear, I'm by no means talking about any other species of Cypripedium other than the one species I have (Cyp. plectrochilum).