Another "What is it?" orchid question - Orchid Board

edgordon · #1 12-30-2009, 05:23 PM

Hi,

My father gave me this orchid, and I have no idea what it is, as I am a rose person.

It is living outdoors, in San Jose, CA. And it has not died yet. Any tips on caring for this orchid would also be appreciated.

Thanks,

edg

Femme · #2 12-30-2009, 05:56 PM

I would say it is a cymbidium

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #3 12-30-2009, 06:00 PM

Cymbidium hybrid.

Full sun. Cool winters, warm summers. No frost. Terrestrial. Provide 1 part topsoil mix with 2 parts perlite, pumice, or granite (loosens up the soil). You can also add some bark or leaf litter as top dressing.

edgordon · #4 12-30-2009, 06:08 PM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the ID.

Are there any books you could direct me towards so that I can learn something about how to care for orchids?

Thanks,

edg

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 12-30-2009, 06:13 PM

Understanding orchids: an ... - Google Books

There's also looking up pictures on Google Images. I just pulled up some pictures of Cymbidium species in the wild. It's pretty cool! Check them out!

Cymbidium in situ - Flickr: Search

RosieC · #6 12-31-2009, 10:33 AM

Edg, first off welcome to orchid board.

When looking for advise on the care of an orchid remember that it is such a large family that the care for one type of orchid will not work for another. In some cases you even need to know the species but for your case I think general Cymbidium care is what you need to look for.

There is some advice on the care of a Cymbidium in the link below.
Cymbidium - Orchid Board

wgama · #7 12-31-2009, 05:39 PM

Wow those are big flowers! Unless there not as big as they look in the pic, ive never seen a cym. with flowers that big!

edgordon · #8 01-01-2010, 06:45 PM

Hi,

Maybe this will help with the size question.

It's a standard US ruler.

Thanks,

edg

Pandelis · #9 01-01-2010, 07:02 PM

You should also fertilize once a week from April to July with 20-20-20, rest in August. and fertilise with 10-40-10 in September- October.

golforchid · #10 01-02-2010, 10:18 AM

As others have mentioned, it's a Cymbidium hybrid. I tried to attach a file for an article by Ron McHatten who grows his cymbidiums in California - but it wouldn't upload or download to this post. So here's the long route. Go to AOS | Members Only Area Click on Orchid Information; then on Culture Sheets; then Cymbidiums.
At the bottom of the culture sheet on Cymbidiums is a link to the article Cymbidiums - Cool Climate Beauties.