| Growing Cymbidium Orchids |
Cool growing orchids need a minimum of 7C
- 10C (45 - 50F) during the winter and a maximum of 24C (75F) during the
summer Cymbidiums - mothers day orchids
This is one of the most often seen orchids and is found in bridal bouquets
quite often as well as being given on mothers day, these are the ones
you see in a little box containing a single bloom in a tiny jar filled
with water. These orchids can be difficult to flower as they are often
over cared for!. Cymbidiums are native to China, Japan and other areas
of the region, require cool nights during the summer and a definite rise
in temperature during the day of at least 5C (10F) if you want to see
flowers rather than a plant pot of sword like leaves. They do not like
draughts or extremes of temperature and are best kept out doors in a bright
position but not in direct sun during the summer and early autumn - they
must be kept frost free though otherwise they WILL die.
Light requirements
Cymbidiums like high levels of sunlight but not directly otherwise the
leaves will scorch. Keep outdoors in summer (May - Sept) and
in a well lit position indoors during the winter, avoiding the direct
rays of the sun.
Watering requirements
These plants have very thick roots which have a sponge like quality;
useful during the summer months as a reservoir for the plant but not so
useful during the winter when over watering can be disastrous if they
are kept cold and wet. Water during the winter at 10 - 14 day intervals
and water them by flushing the pot through with tepid water - not cold
from outside or the tap as this will shock the roots. During the summer
months they can be watered a couple of times a week in warm weather, less
often if it's cooler. Don't be tempted to give a 'little drink' to your
plant because it is damp and not quite dry as they don't like it - give
it a couple more days and give them a good flush through. This also helps
to flush out any unused plant food.
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| A new Cymbidium flowering spike |
A new bulb 'growth' |
note the
difference between this spear shaped spike growth and the new bulb
growth shown above - the bulb growth clearly has leaves growing
whereas this flower spike is smooth
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Feeding requirements During the winter months feed the
plant no more than once a month otherwise the roots may be burns
by unused plant food. From spring to mid summer feed them every
2nd or 3rd watering with a high nitrogen plant food which will encourage
strong growth and big pseudo bulbs to develop, from mid summer through
to the following spring use a high potash feed to harden the pseudo
bulbs and encourage more blooms.- Dilute the plant food to half
to a quarter the recommendation your pack suggests.
Left: A typical Cymbidium plant not in flower |
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Re-potting schedule
Repotting Cymbidiums should be done every second year and should
be done in the spring as the new growth has started. This is also
a good time to split large plants in to 2 or more divisions, after
all they make excellent presents!. See division
for instructions. Use a good open mix of bark compost or course
plain bark which will allow swift drainage of the excess water.
Take a look at the Division page for information on repotting a
bulb type orchid like Cymbidium, Odontoglossum etc. |
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| Removing Old Flowering Spikes |
| When your plant has finished flowering and all you are
left with is the stalk you should remove it right down to the base
leaving 1 - 2 inches of stalk left |
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| Flowering Cymbidium
Hybrids Currently Available |
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