| Cymbidiums can probably grow outside in your temperature zone year round. Ellen is correct in that they need the cool fall to set flower buds. If you do not have many hard freezes you may want to grow them outside year round and shelter them by growing near windbreak plants and covering them if there is to be a hard freeze. Or you can bring them in when there is to be a hard freeze.
They are terrestrial orchids often growing in the ground. They do equally well in pots. They do like to be more moist then other orchids and dry out faster in pots. Water accordingly.
Blooming for all orchids and for that matter all plants is first a matter of giving them the right conditions and keeping them healthy. They are just about impossible to grow here in SW Florida heat but will do well in your temperature.
Re-potting is usually done with Cyms when they are so large it is no longer a choice. Dividing is usually drastic by taking a knife and cutting the plant in half through the plant and roots. They can take it.
The flowers are some of the most striking in orchids, well worth the effort.
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jerry  |