Newbie Cymbidium Questions

[mrk135]

O.k., so I'm turning my attention to my cymbidium ... now that I've learned what my phals and dens need, thanks to Orchid Geeks!

Questions:

What are backbulbs? I read references to them everywhere.

Temperatures? Temps here range about 50-60 nights, 85-100 days right now. I've had my cymbid inside, but am realizing it probably hasn't gotten the cooler temps at night that it needs. I have several new growths, but am beginning to think it won't bloom this year. I am thinking I should move it to my front porch (east facing). Direct sun in morning and then shaded under porch thereafter ...

Growing Cycle vs Bloom Cycle? Does the growing cycle refer only to growth of new stalks and leaves? I've read I should fertilize during the growing cycle. Does the growing cycle include the flowering too, and should I continue to fertilize while flowering ...

I think that's all for now ... thank goodness I found you all! Time to give it up for the night

Michele

[christinek]

I have a few Cymbidiums mrk.. And I usually fertilize after blooming cycle is over which is usually February.. From that point on, new growths have begun and the sun is now changing to spring and summer sun. Use normal Miracle grow for growing season.. Put them outside when fear of frost is done and let them get sun from morning till around 11:00am to 12:00pm noon. And make sure they don't get the crux of the mid-day sun. It will burn them up if they get too much. They say, they can have morning and evening sun both. I got lucky in this aspect, cause where I placed them. They get exactly that and then late afternoon sun then indirect..

Start feeding them bloom boost now or in September. And once a month till flower spikes start etc.. This should enhance flower spikes to start around the time you bring them in or later after being indoors.. "depends on the cymbidium species"

I hope this helps.. This is the way i've been doing it for some time now.. And my one cymbidium had over 8 spikes last year..

[articuno75]

Mrk135~ If you can go ahead and kick your plant outside. This way it can get as much sunlight as it can. Leaves should be a nice yellow-green color. This is a good indicator that your plant is getting the right amount of light. If your plant is green to dark green, it's not getting enough. Also Cyms need cool nights to initiate flowering. Below 50 degrees, but not freezing. The best thing to do is leave it outside and bring it back in before first frost. Cyms can handle freezing temperatures, but not recommended.

[jerrymeola]

Back bulbs are the leafless bulbs. When re-potting they are often removed for appearance or potted separately to maybe initiate a new plant. It is not necessary to remove them until you do not like the way they look.

[christinek]

Well.. newsflash.. LOL I went outside this morning to check on my babies on the outside.. And checked my cymbidiums.. If i'm not mistaken. The one is already shooting what looks to be 3 flower spikes. If you're wondering what they look like.. The picture is actually my avatar.. I'm so happy. Cause it didn't bloom last year.. But looks like they got what they needed this year.. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!! yayy!!

[Hummer344]

I am in San Jose & have my cyms outside year around. During the summer I try to give them a good dose of direct morning sun then bright light the rest of the day. Durning the winter I give them as much morning sun as possible. They need protection from temps below 35 or so. Here, thats usually about a week a year. My cyms have a spring/summer growth cycle with winter bloom. I do have one cym that is a summer bloomer and it has one spike right now. I started with cyms and treated them very carefully for a couple of years. The leaves were dark green and healthy looking but I never got any bloom. I learned that the plant leaves should be a yellowish green and they could stay outside. don't baby them. The back bulbs, those with no leaves, can serve as a resivoir for some moisture and help anchor the plant when you repot it. If the back bulbs become mushy they should be removed. Good luck with your plants

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by christinek

Well.. newsflash.. LOL I went outside this morning to check on my babies on the outside.. And checked my cymbidiums.. If i'm not mistaken. The one is already shooting what looks to be 3 flower spikes. If you're wondering what they look like.. The picture is actually my avatar.. I'm so happy. Cause it didn't bloom last year.. But looks like they got what they needed this year.. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!! yayy!!

What was difference in the conditons this year from that what you gave last year to cause it to flower?

[christinek]

I believe I moved the cymbidiums to a side of my property which gets a combination of direct morning light and full sun to indirect sun light coming through my huge trumpet vines...

I'm very excited.. I can't wait to see the spikes and flowers..

[mrk135]

Thanks everyone ... just one more question, and it's probably a pretty stupid one. When you say " bright light" (not direct sun), could this qualify as the plant being in the shade, but still outside where the light is brighter than it would be indoors?

Hummer 344 ... I'm not that far from you, just 20 miles north of San Luis Obispo, so I think we have much the same conditions. It does freeze here though, so I will bring my cymbid inside before then. It seems my cymbid has a spring/summer growth period also, so I will look for blooms in the winter (fingers crossed).

[christinek]

My best advice is Full sun all day, but indirect sunlight in the heat of the day when the sun is at its strongest point.

In my circumstance. It happened naturally.. The way the sun rises and sets each day and the way i have it.. It's getting exactly what I advised.. And so far.. So good.. (fingers still crossed) LOL

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by mrk135

Thanks everyone ... just one more question, and it's probably a pretty stupid one. When you say " bright light" (not direct sun), could this qualify as the plant being in the shade, but still outside where the light is brighter than it would be indoors?

Hummer 344 ... I'm not that far from you, just 20 miles north of San Luis Obispo, so I think we have much the same conditions. It does freeze here though, so I will bring my cymbid inside before then. It seems my cymbid has a spring/summer growth period also, so I will look for blooms in the winter (fingers crossed).

My Cyms get full sun except for mid day when the sun is at it's hottest. You want your Cyms to get as much light with out getting burn. Shaded areas as to what your are describing doesn't sound like enough light.

No question is stupid. Only dumb questions are those that are never asked.

[PhalPal]

I wouldn't recommend putting a Cymbidium in the shade and they definately love being outside. We had a few 32-33 degree nights last winter and I just huddled them together and kept them dry. They will love your weather up there! Kick 'um out!!!

Bright light means all the sun you can give a plant without having it in full, unprotected sun. Imagine that your orchid is on the beach. If it is laying out on a little beach towel, no umbrella, no hat, that is full or direct sunlight. If your orchid is out on the same beach, but sitting on a deck with lattice or ivy growing above it, that is bright light.

I have one huge Cym hanging under a lattice type patio cover and it does great, even on the hottest day. I just water her more and she loves it out there.

[solay]

I'm in Northern Calif. and I grow all mine under shade cloth. That way they get bright light but won't burn. Some I have that does get direct afternoon sun ( due to lack of space) and they have yellowing leaves with some burning. Even then, they will bloom fine.
Your Cyms. won't bloom unless they get very bright light. I too recommend putting it out side and just protect from very hot direct sun and frost. In the winters when the temps drop into the 30s, I'll throw a plant blanket that protects them from frost and/or up up tarp to protect from the chilling winds at night.
Backbulbs (old leafless bulbs) you'll get when you divide the plant. Sometimes intentionally sometimes by accident. When one comes off, you can let it sit in a dry shady spot or pot it up keeping it slightly moist until new shoots appear. Then in 3-4 years you'll get blooms.

[Sassismom]

I have all mine outside on the east side of the house under my table umbrella and they have bloomed ea. year. They get very early sun and a little late afternoon, they seem to love this.

[mrk135]

[quote=PhalPal;89300]Bright light means all the sun you can give a plant without having it in full, unprotected sun. Imagine that your orchid is on the beach. If it is laying out on a little beach towel, no umbrella, no hat, that is full or direct sunlight. If your orchid is out on the same beach, but sitting on a deck with lattice or ivy growing above it, that is bright light.QUOTE]


PhalPal ... thanks for the great analogy! It really helped me to understand. I think I've found the perfect spot for my cymbid.

Michele

[PhalPal]

I'm glad it helped Michelle. I love my Cyms and want you to love yours too!

[dra]

but I need more advice on repotting // when, what size - 6' pot to a 10' pot or better 6' to 8'? need help on this. Can anytone lead me to the right direction?

[kmarch]

I repot Cymbidiums every other year (unless I'm being a slacker) and I choose a pot that leaves about 1.5 inches of space between the plant and the edge fo the pot all the way around. If your 6' pot is full I'd choos the 8' pot.

Happy Growing!