The Orchid Garden

ne cymbidium collector from South Africa

Question:

I have recently bought several unnamed cymbids which are 2 seasons old. I have them out doors.   I have no club nearby so this will be a good way for me to learn more.   I would love to know how different cats are to grow and whether there are people in this country who can offer advice about the needs of these plants.

Response:

Hello redbook,      Congratulations upon your purchase of several cymbidiums.   You mention that they are 2 seasons old, by that do you mean that they are 2 years out of flask (seedlings) or that they last bloomed 2 years ago?   Too bad there are no orchid clubs near you, it would make growing and blooming them much easier as you could obtain answers about how to grow them.      Cyms are relatively easy to grow, all is takes is giving them adequate water, fertilizer, light, air movement, temperature, etc.   You mention South Africa, do you live there and if so in what area there?   Depending upon where you live, caring for cyms can be fairly easy or hard.   If close to the coastline the climate should be good, more that 50 miles inland it may take some extra effort.      If you could tell me what the prevailing weather patterns are during the year, I may be able to give you more suggestions on what to do and how to grow them.      Good luck and good growing.  

Response:

Hello Jim, Like Redbook, I grow Cyms, something I would only admit on this newsgroup. Again like Redbook I have no Orchid Club, my nearest is about 200 miles away, a bit  too far to go for the odd evening. But what you failed to tell Redbook is that we have the largest most helpful club here in this newsgroup and in the various websites. Since joining this group I have received much help, to improve my cultivation technique. Many thanks to all and good luck to Redbook. Ted. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello redbook,   Congratulations upon your purchase of several cymbidiums.   You mention that they are 2 seasons old, by that do you mean that they are 2 years out of flask (seedlings) or that they last bloomed 2 years ago?   Too bad there are no orchid clubs near you, it would make growing and blooming them much easier as you could obtain answers about how to grow them.   Cyms are relatively easy to grow, all is takes is giving them adequate water, fertilizer, light, air movement, temperature, etc.   You mention South Africa, do you live there and if so in what area there?   Depending upon where you live, caring for cyms can be fairly easy or hard.   If close to the coastline the climate should be good, more that 50 miles inland it may take some extra effort.   If you could tell me what the prevailing weather patterns are during the year, I may be able to give you more suggestions on what to do and how to grow them.   Good luck and good growing.

Response:

Hi Ted,      You are absolutely right!   I stand corrected!  I must have been out of my mind, very easy to do since I don’t have much of a mind.   *grin*      This bulletin board along with the other websites can be a great source of information for people wanting to learn how to grow their orchid(s), have questions answered, etc.   Going back to previous postings can provide a lot of answers to most questions those with limited resources of other orchid growers/clubs nearby.      Humbly yours,  

Response:

Hi all, to explain my comment, when I first started growing orchids, Cymbidiums were considered a beginners orchid because of their tolerance. Because of the size of the Standard plants most people moved on to smaller genera, things like Odonts and Paphs. Twenty five years later I am still growing the beginners Orchid and I love them. Ted.

Response:

Hi all, to explain my comment, when I first started growing orchids, Cymbidiums were considered a beginners orchid because of their tolerance. Because of the size of the Standard plants most people moved on to smaller genera, things like Odonts and Paphs. Twenty five years later I am still growing the beginners Orchid and I love them. Ted.

Ted, No need to explain I cut my teeth on my folks’ cyms and catts, hundreds of them. I’d follow dad around all day every Saturday as he tended them..doing this that and the other. It was all so fascinating! -Rod- Venger’s Orchids Website http://www.vengers.com/ Basic Culture CD-ROM: http://vengers.com/demo/cd.htm

Response:

I’m right there with you, Ted.  I’m still big into the Cyms.  I really enfoy them but have started getting a few others.  Even some for indoors and they are doing great too.  I love ‘em all.  Not real fond of the Paphiopedilums.

Response:

Hi Ted,    You are absolutely right!   I stand corrected!  I must have been out of my mind, very easy to do since I don’t have much of a mind.   *grin*    This bulletin board along with the other websites can be a great source of information for people wanting to learn how to grow their orchid(s), have questions answered, etc.   Going back to previous postings can provide a lot of answers to most questions those with limited resources of other orchid growers/clubs nearby.    Humbly yours,

Ah yes, but Jim also failed to mention that cyms are also his obsession. Well, maybe obsession is too strong a word, but how would you describe someone who has 1600+ cyms???? So I’m sure he can answer a question or 2 about these orchids:-) Mary

Response:

Ah yes, but Jim also failed to mention that cyms are also his obsession. So I’m sure he can answer a question or 2

about these orchids Hi Mary,      Ah geewhiz, golly, shucks.   You are right, cyms are an obsession of mine.   Hehe, just ask my wife.  *LOL*    Geez, you give me a lot of credit, 2 questions, huh.      Hope all is well.   Take care.  

Response:

Hi all, to explain my comment, when I first started growing orchids, Cymbidiums were considered a beginners orchid because of their tolerance. Because of the size of the Standard plants most people moved on to smaller genera, things like Odonts and Paphs. Twenty five years later I am still growing the beginners Orchid and I love them. Ted. Hi Ted,

Me too!  Each time that I think i’ll pass my 60 or so onto a  friend, they start to spike and I think"what the heck, lets give them another season!" Regards Denise South Africa

Response:

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