Cymbidiums have been causing a popular comeback in the past years because more orchid growers are discovering these marvelous orchids. Cymbidium must rank as one of the best known and widely popular of all orchids. The genus consists of about 50 species and thousands of hybrids have been bred. Cymbidium is the oldest cultivated orchid, and there is evidence that they were grown in China 2500 years ago in records from 500 BC at the time of Confucius. They may be terrestrial in habit or epiphytic or even lithophytic (growing on rocks). The wild types are found growing naturally in China, and Japan through the Himalayas, South East Asia to Australia. They are a good deal to a greater extent cold-tolerant than many average varieties of orchids and boast a lot of great blooms in the dead of winter. A great deal of the newfound pursuit in cymbidiums is motivated by the visual aspect of the small hybrid cymbidiums. These floras are smaller and more manageable than the original species.
a) Light:
During the growth season, cymbidiums treasure ample sunlight, or almost 50 percent shade. They can be moved in open air in the summertime, except they are not to be set up into direct sunlight. Fairly strong light at 2500-3000 ft candles is good for these plants. If they are grown in a greenhouse then 50%-60% shading is needed during the summer months to prevent leaf burn and overheating. If you are growing them outside in summer, early morning sun is ideal, but do provide some shade against the strongest sunlight. Some hours of slight morning sunshine and shaded afternoons encompasses the complete environment.
b) Water:
Plentiful water during the developing season (spring, summer and fall). The cleaner the water, the finer the plants. Collected salts in tap water can harm the plants, so make certain they're well flushed every time you water the plant. During the winter bloom, cut back watering dramatically, but don't let the plant run dry. Keep the potting culture medium somewhat moist to the feel. Plants that are affected by the saline build-up in tap water will demonstrate leaf-tip dieback, an environment in which the leaf tips turn black and die. Never allow the plants to dry out and always keep the compost moist. Normally,watering once each week is sufficient but, during the hot summer months it may be necessary to water twice weekly. Try to water in the morning, before midday which will avoid the possible loss of new growths. Whenever possible use rainwater.
Water frequently, as these plants like to be moist and drink a lot. Drench the pots thoroughly when you do so. Move the cymbidiums outdoors after the threat of winter is over. If you're raising them indoors, a southeast or east window is suitable. Your leaves should be apple green, as different than dark green. A greenish flora is likely not getting adequate sunlight to stimulate a favorable bloom.
c) Fertilizer:
Like most orchids, cymbidiums can be kept little drier and fed less during the cool darker winter months. During the developing season, provide with a diluted orchid fertilizer bimonthly or sprinkle slow-release pellets in the growing mass medium at the start of the season. Be cautious to avoid a strong nitrogen fertilizer as this will cause fast foliage growth at the expense of the bloom. Use a well-balanced orchid fertiliser (ratio 20-20-20) at the recommended strength throughout spring and summer. Flush the compost through with pure rainwater at every fourth watering. Reduce the fertiliser strength to half the recommended dose through Autumn and Winter.
d)Temperature and Humidity:
Cymbidiums tolerates the cold weather than some other popular orchids. The large, older cymbidiums demand a lengthy period of cold to beset a bloom, although the miniatures aren't quite as contingent on cold weather to bloom. Cymbidiums have been known to briefly defy freezing temperatures, although frost will kill them. Nights down to 40 F are good. On the other side, cymbidiums can also defy substantial summer heat without wilting, as they are adaptable to the temperate areas of Asia where there's significant variation in seasonal and day/night temperatures. They can also be grown in the home, but to initiate flower shoots they must have cool nights throughout the Spring and Summer months. If you've a garden or patio, we advise that you stand the plants outside towards the end of May until the middle of September when the night temperatures start to drop.
Humidity should be between 50% and 75%RH.
e) Blooming tips:
The cymbidium bloom is sparked by a combination of falling temperatures and trimmed down water. Flower spikes are set during the winter months when night temperatures are cool (approx 50 ). The miniatures have mostly been hybridized with warm-house orchids, so they aren't quite as contingent on cold atmospheric condition to bloom, but it's still an crucial part of cymbidium culture. 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. The natural bloom season is during the winter, when your plants should be inside and accessible for exhibit. Cymbidium flowers grow in sprays,with spikes arising from new pseudobulbs every season.
f) Potting and Re potting:
Cymbidiums are semi-terrestrial orchids. They naturally grow in loamy humus, transmitting thin roots into the mixture. Thus, they are absolutely adaptable to the conditions most easily furnished at home: a rich, loose, organic potting mixture. Cymbidiums orchids do best when they are pot bound. Unless the mix is broken down (after 2-3 years),leave them in the same pots until the pseudobulbs are crowded. When you repot grow them in a small pot as possible with no more than an inch or two of space around the room. At this time shake loose and discard old dried bulbs.
Leafless pseudobulbs that are still green can be separated, potted up in sphagnum moss, and with sufficient humidity will often produce new growths. Most growers recommend applying fir bark,perlite, peat moss,and other loose organic material in some combination. A commercial paphiopedilum mixtur will generally service these plants well. Cymbidiums can be easily divided during repotting in the spring.
g) Grower's Tips:
Cymbidiums are marvelous orchids to develop in the middle and coastal areas of the United States and other moderate countries. They can be grown outside during the spring, summer and fall, and moved back inside at the first sign of frost. During the summer, they will develop quickly, sending up new pseudobulbs topped with long, strappy leaves. The flowers are on display during the winter months. A well-grown cymbidium is resistant to almost all insects, but as with all orchids, there is some risk of aphids, scale and other insects
By knowing some of the factors to watch out for in growing and raising Cymbidium Ochids, you can have yourself a new orchid that is sure to develop and blooming as fast as possible.
Joseph Ibanez is an Orchid enthusiast and If you want to know more information about orchid types, go to Orchid Types or,go to www.profitableclickbankniches.com/ORCHIDS/
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