What is it? - Orchid Board

delamora · #1 07-30-2020, 10:22 AM

Hello, Our household received this orchid 3 years ago when my father-in-law died and it had three tall bloom stalks (is that what they're called? sorry...don't have the vocab).

Since then it has not bloomed and has recently began to look unwell. Since we received it, it has had some growth spurts, it initially only had two active "bulbs" (areas of growth). Now it has 3 (2 of the originals are dead and there are 2 new).

I love this plant, but I fear it is not happy. And I would love to see it bloom again.

Attached are pictures, I think it might be a Zygonisia Murasakikomachi, or some cousin. Suggestions on how to improve its life would be great. I give it a thorough watering once a week in the shower, it's in a not-bright-but-not-dark room. If you'll notice I fashioned an orchid planter with cutouts to help keep the roots aerated.

If someone could direct me to an information site specific to this type of orchid, that would be awesome. Any and all help/suggestions are welcome!

Thanks!

David

WaterWitchin · #2 07-30-2020, 10:35 AM

Well, I'm probably not the right person on identifying, as I'm terrible at it. But it looks like a very dried out Cymbidium to me.

If it is, it needs a lot more light, and a lot more water. And depending on what type, a real cold spell in order to promote blooming. Look up pictures of Cymbidium and see if the blooms and stalks look similar to those that were on it.

delamora · #3 07-30-2020, 04:40 PM

Yes, you are correct! And I have found the perfect website. Your insight is very, very much appreciated. I feel horrible I've been torturing this poor plant for the last 3 years.

Thanks again!!!

WaterWitchin · #4 07-30-2020, 06:50 PM

Well, glad to help!

estación seca · #5 07-30-2020, 07:43 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Cymbidium hybrids can tolerate more neglect and incorrect care than about any other kind of orchid. You will do well with it. There is a Cymbidium forum here, accessible via the left yellow menu. Choose Forums.

Also note the Search function in the top menu bar.

Roberta · #6 07-30-2020, 07:55 PM

I would suggest that repotting that Cym would be helpful (Ideal time is a little earlier, but I have gotten away with it pretty much to the end of August.
I'd suggest small bark - Cyms like to stay on the damp side, and the pot needs to drain wall. (No saucers except to protect surfaces... plant needs to be drained well first) Also.. where to you live? Cymbidiums typically are happier outdoors - they are relatively high-light plants. They also appreciate a significant temperature difference between day and night - they particularly want that in the fall to get them to bloom.

If you have been keeping it in the house, when you put it outside increase light gradually. Dappled sunlight is ideal. For temperatures, these are some of the toughest orchids around... if acclimated (like being outside so that as nights cool off they get used to it) they can tolerate temperatures to near freezing - or even a little below if not for too many hours. And in the summer, over 100 deg F with a little shading.

delamora · #7 07-31-2020, 11:29 AM

Thanks all for the input, it is truly appreciated. The poor fella is currently in his new outdoor spot enjoying the dappled sun.

I am in Atlanta, so heat and humidity won't be a problem, the cool/cold will be more of a challenge, but we do get occasional freezes during the winter and wet, chilly springs, so I'm optimistic.

Thanks again!

Roberta · #8 07-31-2020, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delamora

Thanks all for the input, it is truly appreciated. The poor fella is currently in his new outdoor spot enjoying the dappled sun.

I am in Atlanta, so heat and humidity won't be a problem, the cool/cold will be more of a challenge, but we do get occasional freezes during the winter and wet, chilly springs, so I'm optimistic.

Thanks again!

Timing for the chill will be the challenge for flowering... some are more tolerant of the the lack of fall cooling than others. If it was growing in your area, it probably was one of those. In the winter, I know that Atlanta can get the occasional cold snap - if freezing temps are forecast, you can bring it in, or put next to the house under the eaves.
Also... knowing how humid Atlanta can be in summer, I modify my advice on bark size... more of a medium size would be good... it wants damp but not soggy.