Archive for the ‘care of orchids’ Category
Cymbidium Orchids: How To Grow
Most cymbidium orchids are very easy to grow if they have cool nights and high light. All Cymbidium need high light, whether in a greenhouse or sunroom, although the smaller types can be grown on southern windowsills. All need a decided drop in nighttime temperatures for at least 6 weeks, generally in late summer and fall, in order to induce buds, and it’s best if this drop can be maintained throughout winter as well.
High-altitude species and most large hybrids will need cool night temperatures of 40-45ºF; the warmer types will need to drop to a more intermediate 52-55ºF. The ig types have copious root systems and do best in large deep pots of semiterrestrial mix.
The warmer-growing species do better in baskets, since many are pendent-flowered. In mild climates, cymbidium orchids can also be grown outdoors as landscapes plants, in well drained humusy garden soil. Give all types even moisture and heavy regular fertilizer. Most will bloom from February to April.
For best floral display, stake the erect inflorescence when it is in 4 in. tall, then again at 8 in., but first put the plant in a warm spot for several hours to make the inflorescence mess brittle.