New to Orchids and just inherited 4 cymbidiums, need advice. - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Jimmyb1982 · #11 01-02-2012, 07:23 PM

Thanks! I always admired that she was the only person in the northern Los Angeles County to having blooming orchids in her yard! Unfortunately, I don't think she'll be with us long enough to see them. I'm the only other person in our family who enjoys gardening, so she asked me to take care of her orchids for her.

I've always loved orchids, and these 4 have extra sentimental value to me. Honestly though, I really have very little personal knowledge about orchids.. I know that they require special conditions, but that's it.

I know that I'm up to the task, I just have to learn all I can so I can get them ready for our blistering summers here

nutgirl · #12 01-02-2012, 08:32 PM

My summer conditions are hot and dry. I have two blooming minis. Midday shade and lots of water works for me.

Maureen

Jimmyb1982 · #13 01-02-2012, 08:36 PM

Ok, great!! Thank you! I heard that misting helps too, Is your midday shade filter, like a tree or taller bush? Or do you have a small shelter to give full shade?

nutgirl · #14 01-02-2012, 09:22 PM

I use shade cloth for filtered shade from noon on. It's still fairly bright, just not direct sun.

Air temps can be 100+ deg. I keep them well watered. So far they don't seem to mind. As it starts cooling in the fall they set spikes.
Winter low temps are in the 30's.

Maureen

Maureen

Jimmyb1982 · #15 01-04-2012, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutgirl

I use shade cloth for filtered shade from noon on. It's still fairly bright, just not direct sun.

Air temps can be 100+ deg. I keep them well watered. So far they don't seem to mind. As it starts cooling in the fall they set spikes.
Winter low temps are in the 30's.

Maureen

This sounds alot like the conditions here too! I'll definitely get some good shade cloth for them, and make sure to keep them watered.

What type of potting media do you use? All of mine are in soil/dirt right now, and I have no idea how long they've been like that. I have one that is bursting it's pot right now, but it's got one spike which is about to bloom too. I'll have to divide it this spring, and am really trying to find out which media will work in my environment.

Thanks!
Jim

nutgirl · #16 01-04-2012, 03:20 PM

I use LECA (the little round ceramic balls they sell at the hydroponic stores).
I have almost all my orchids in it either semi hydroponic or just as a potting medium.

I like it for the Cyms because I can water to my hearts content and it drains well and doesn't deteriorate and rot the roots.

From the various posts on OB it sounds like there are lots of options for potting mediums, hopefully others will give their opinions.

Maureen

Jimmyb1982 · #17 01-04-2012, 03:32 PM

So they're just in the balls, as the only media? Interesting, I'll have to look those up! I keep looking at posts about bark and moss, but I've been worried if those would dry to fast in this climate. I'll definitely look these up!

Thanks Maureen!

Jimmyb1982 · #18 01-04-2012, 05:43 PM

Ok, I found it online! This stuff looks perfect! Thank you soo much!

nutgirl · #19 01-04-2012, 07:50 PM

Check out your local hydroponic store, most of them carry it.

Maureen

Jimmyb1982 · #20 01-04-2012, 08:06 PM

Ok perfect! I found some at Home Depot, does that sound right? It says that its LECA, and looks like the things I read about..

Do you put any moss or bark over the top of the LECA? I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row. The temps here are still in the 70's, so I'm planning to maybe wait til the end of this month or next month to repot. It's been a really warm winter, but I don't want to do it too early, or to wait til March or April when it will get hot again.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure to do it all right. Since your climate is similar I wanted to ask and see when you think would be best. I just want to help the plants to be as healthy as possible and give them the best chance to flourish!

Thanks!

Thanks!