Can i grow Cymbidiums In New York?
 

hello all how are you i hope all is well! i love cyms!!!! i have always loved thier large cup shaped blooms and grassy elegance! but i was always told that i couldnt grow them up here! most of them are cool growing which are the ones i love the most!!!

Can i grow these up here? i was told the summers are too hot is this true? i really want to do this but i dont want the endeavor to be futile! please help me. What do i need to do? is there any one doing this up here in the north east or a similar climate? Thank you sooo much for all the help!!! :biggrin:

~Sam

I think "too warm" is only a problem in places were temps seldom are cool enough to initiate spikes. Cool growing cyms need a period of cool nights in late summer/fall - a couple or more weeks with night temps below 50 I think.
Mine take heat spells fine - make sure they are shaded by mid-day. I will say that even during the hottest weather here, the night time temps are a good deal cooler than day time tho - but I believe they do in general tolerate heat quite well.

They need a pretty good amount of light during spring/summer, so it's best if you can grow them outside after the last frost in spring, and until the first frost in autumn/winter .

Have you ever been to Venamy Orchids over in Brewster? They have bunches of them on one of the back benches in the greenhouse. I'm sure they they could answer your question about growing in this area and even sell you some.:)

Bill

I grow in Michigan, you should have no problems in New York; bear in mind that most plants will need high light year round, a 15-20 degree temperature drop from day to night temps & consistent watering & fertilising. If you are going to be growing in the house & under lights, I would recommend that you look into some of the warm-growing hybrids (Chen's Ruby, Golden Elf, etc.) as these are more temperature non-determinate; the still need good light and even culture, but will bloom without the huge dips in temperature. Keep us posted and let us know if you have any questions.
Adam

New York's annual weather season will be fine for Cymbidiums - indeed the difference in summer and winter temperatures will be very helpful for prompting blooms. Just watch out for heavy rain damage during those more rainy times of the year.

Ohh wow Thanks guys so much for this advice!!! i have a bunch of other orchids mostly Catts few dends and three Angraecums and a bunch of Phalaenopsis. i want to add a little bit more diversity to my collection.

Its funny you mention Venamy Orchids!!! my doctor just mentioned them to me! i have been dying to go!!! i looked at their site and saw all the different ones there. im sure there are other kinds!

Im sure it will become my second home! An orchid greenhouse in New York!!!! i will check them out and keep you all posted!!!

If I were a new grower and saw this post, I would make the assumption that I could grow Cymbidiums outside in NY all year round. I do not think this is what you meant as Cymbidiums are definitely not capable of surviving NY's freezing winter temps!

As was mentioned before, put them outside after danger of frost has passed and bring them in before danger of frost starts.
-CL

Summer temperatures in NY will not be a problem. In the 80s I had a standard cymbidium and had no problems with it in central Arkansas with summer highs between 115 and 122 degrees.

I agree with you, my post was not as clear as it could have been, and also agree that NY's winter (and frost danger) would be too harsh for Cyms. My post assumed they would be inside by this time but I should have stated this! Note to self...be more specific next time! ;)

You know there is one on this side of the river? And as of now there are no Cyms but they are on order to be carried. in chester