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HOW TO GROW THE "NEW"
CYMBIDIUMS
Cymbidiums are
among the most beautiful and
long lasting of all orchids.
The thick waxy blooms, often 20
or more to a spike can last for
months! Many of today's "new"
cymbidiums can bloom in a 5-6"
inch pots and can be grown on a
windowsill. These new hybrids
have been made with warmer
growing species, many of which
are smaller statured in plant
and flower size. All but the
smallest of species/hybrids
will need a little bit of room
to grow, and will probably do
best if they can spend most of
the year outdoors. Though their
requirements are little more
exacting than other orchids,
their beauty justifies
the effort. These instructions
apply to growing the more
warmth-tolerant cymbidiums in
the mid-Atlantic
states.
Species Chinese cymbidiums are
not included
here.
Light: Give
cymbidiums as much light as you
can, short of intense direct
sunlight that can burn the
leaves. Firm, light green
foliage upright indicates that
plants are getting enough
light. Good air movement is
essential -- especially when
temperatures are above 80°
and/or when humidity is high.
Remember that high temperatures
are better tolerated with
higher humidity and more air
movement. It is recommended
that you place your cymbidiums
outdoors in the spring as soon
as temperatures are above 50°
at night (and leave them out
until they fall below 50° in
the
fall).
Temperature:
This is usually the most
restrictive factor in growing
cymbidiums. Like most orchids,
cymbidiums need a 10 to 15°
differential between night and
day temperatures to thrive and
bloom. They also like cool
nights, especially in the fall
months when flower spikes are
setting. I leave my cymbidiums
outdoors on a balcony until
night temperature fall to about
50° in the fall before I bring
them in. Most cymbidiums will
do best with day temperatures
no more than 80°. Short periods
above this will be fine but
make sure your plants are well
watered in a shady location.
This is where some of the new
warmth tolerant hybrids such as
Golden Elf 'Sundust' or Solar
Flare excel. These hybrids have
been bred to withstand higher
heat.
Watering
and Fertilizer: Water
frequently, as these plants
like to be moist and drink a
lot. Drench the pots thoroughly
when you do so. Also make sure
you fertilize your cymbidiums
regularly. If if they are
outdoors, a timed release
fertilizer may be more
efficient. Like most orchids,
cymbidiums can be kept little
drier and fed less during the
cool darker winter
months.
Blooming: Flower
spikes are set during the
winter months when night
temperatures are cool (approx
50°). This is usually the
hardest part for indoor grower
once plants have been brought
inside. Many growers will keep
their cymbidiums in an unheated
garage overnight and take them
out during the day, or place
them in a cool bright sunroom
This, again, is where the
warmth-tolerant hybrids have an
advantage as they may not need
as much of a temperature drop
at night to
bloom.
Go to Part II of
Growing Cymbidium
Orchids
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