Variegated orchid care (Cyms and Neos)

[Jlie]

Hello all,

I have a small but lovely pile of variegated Neos and Cyms (the heat tolerant ones/Asian Cyms/Jensoa Cyms), and just wanted to pick your brains on how I can care for them. I guess I'm worried about sunburn.



I believe the variegated types like more light since they have less chlorophyll to metabolize with, but are also more susceptible to burning (am I right?). Currently, my Cyms and Neos get supplemental lights in a windowsill, but the sun is moving and already they are getting some direct evening sun (they're in my west window with a fan, maybe 40% RH). Should I move them now or is ~2hrs of sun ok? I expected to move them eventually but didn't realize that I'd have to do it in February.

Thank you!!

[rcb]

I'll jump in as no one else has yet.

I only have experience with variegated Dendrobium moniliforme (and hoyas). When I bought my first variegated one, I was told by the vendor to keep it more shaded than the regular type moniliforme. Well, I did that, and wasn't pleased with how the plant was behaving. I moved it to right beside the regular moniliforme, and the plant started doing much better.

The new batch of variegated moniliformes I just got last month, have been plopped right down amidst all the other ones, no special treatment.

[orchids4me]

Hi Renee,
Where did you find them ?? Did you get a flask or seedlings ? I've got a couple flasks of diFerent monifoium's but not that type. Very cool!