Cymbidium tracyanum - finally some spikes!
 

After seeing a flowering Cymbidium tracyanum a number of years ago on a different forum, I was inspired to add one to my collection. For the last few years the plant's gotten progressively larger, but it never produced any spikes. This year I tried something different. I fed it more than it's been fed in the past, and every night during the spring and summer when our night temperatures stayed above 65 F I brought it inside and placed it in the coolest area of the basement.

What I didn't know was that this species apparently flowers from immature growths (or maybe mine's just an oddball). So I was overjoyed when I realized that what I thought were five new growths starting were, in fact, five flower spikes. So now I can't wait to see (and smell!) some blooms. Now I'm just praying that it won't turn out to be a hybrid instead of the species.

Steve

Cymbidium tracyanum | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

How exciting....Congrats!!!
Joann

Very nice. I love cyms hope you share the pics with us when it opens.(/udb)(/udb)

Exciting! I love tracyanum, but have read/heard it can be difficult to bloom ? Can't wait to see bloom pix!

Thanks, everyone!

WhiteRabbit, I doubt that it would prove difficult for you to bloom in northern California. Here in the central Midwest, however, it's probably not considered an ideal species (but since I'm a sucker for punishment I figured I'd give it a try). But so far the weather's been cooperating, with cool nights into the mid 30s to 40s, and nice sunny days in the high 60s to mid 70s. Hopefully that will be enough to keep the plant happy until the buds open.

hmm ... well, perhaps someday I'll have a go at it, if I can find one in my price range :p

I look forward to seeing your bloom pix!

White Rabbit,

In our area, tracyanums are very easy to grow and bloom. As far as price range is concerned, many small divisions or awarded back bulbs change hands in our GCCG CSA Branch for well under $25.

CL

Oh! Thanks for the info! I'll keep my eyes open for one then - thanks! :)

White Rabbit,

Better yet, contact one of the local growers if you are a member of one of our local societies.

This is true of all areas of the US and I suspect, of most countries too. When you see a plant at a show in a display, find out whose display it is and if it is a club display, then try to find out who grew the plant you admire/covet. :rofl: Many hobbyists will have a BB or small division of the plant you want and often are more than willing to share. I know I do it at least once at every show I go to, from both sides. :biggrin:

If not a member, by all means consider joining. For someone as serious as you are, I think you would definitely enjoy the interaction with other hobbyists and general "orchid talk".

CL

Buds have started to open on the first spike--now I just need to find a bonsai version of this species.

Cymbidium tracyanum | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Cymbidium tracyanum | Flickr - Photo Sharing!