Got my first Cymbidium! Need guidance please!

[NeoOrchid]

Hello all! I received a large robust three growth cymbidium "little black sambo" from an Ebay store (good sale- no problems!) and it's been almost a week with my new orchid.

She has new growth at the base of a bulb (there are three). I transplanted this orchid into long fiber Zealand moss (I don't seem to have very good luck with bark mixes); I'd really appreciate guidance on watering, feeding, and yes, even the best potting medium for this lovely being! I've read that this orchid should not be watered all winter to spike in spring- is that correct???

I realize moss isn't the ideal media for all orchids but when I lived in the mountains I fought root rot constantly and when I switched to moss it saved my orchids. I am currently in the dry Midwest and may be able to use more types of plant media if it will improve the well being of my orchids.

Thanx very much!
Cheers and Blessings!

NeoOrchid

[mayres]

Cyms typically ARE planted in various forms of bark and even combinations of bark with potting soil, coir, perlite, and many other components. I have not heard of anyone growing them in sphag - though I wouldn't be surprised if someone did. You definately DO water them year round - though obviously not so much in the winter as you don't want them to get soggy and stay that way - which could lead to root rot. You want to cool them in the fall to coerce them into spiking for you. One of the tricks for home growers (like me) is the transition to outside for the warmer months and then coming back inside when frosty weather begins. Careful aclimating it to stronger light when you go outside in a few months.

[kmarch]

Cymbidium Little Black Sambo (note correct expression of the name - captialized with no quotation marks) is an Australian Native hybrid cymbidium. It's care is different than the typical hybrid cymbidium you might run across. For example the species Cymbidium canaliculatum (one of the parents in this cross) is grown for months at a time without being watered. I do not grow this hybrid but I bet some of the other Australian geeks grow this and/or other Cymbidium canaliculatum hybrids. They will be able to give you some useful information on its needs and culture.

[Brooke]

I babysat the LBSambo and it was watered year round, no cool off needed. It is a very nice smaller growing Cym and the blooms are gorgeous.

If you understand the watering of the sphag, it should be quite happy in it.

Brooke

[PhalPal]

Neo I grow my cymbidiums in coco husks and cork chips. This gives them an open mix with very little breakdown of the medium. I can't say I would recommend growing them in sphagnum, especially in your humid conditions. But, like mayres said above, I'm sure it has been done before!! I am fortunate to be able to leave mine outdoors all year so the cool down takes care of itself. They can tolerate temps from the 30's to over 100 degrees. They are tough orchids, just be careful not to overwater which is easy to do with moss. Be aware that moss does not stay light and fluffy like it is when new; eventually it gets heavy and more compacted and holds lots more water. Have you thought of adding something like perlite, charcoal, tree fern, or cork to open the mix and help delay compaction of the moss???