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- If you are growing within a structure of some kind, ensure plenty of ventilation is provided to
keep temperatures, especially night temperatures, down. Try and provide good strong light with low temperatures,
as this will ensure the maximum flowering.
- The standard cymbidiums in the main come from the Himalayas, at moderate altitudes.
Some of the smaller growing oriental species and hybrids are natives of the lowland tropical
forests It is a characteristic of both these habitats that they are exposed to the summer monsoons,
a period of warmth but of high rainfall. This is in contrast to the warm but dry conditions locally, and of the
many non-monsoonal areas they are being cultivated in. Watering must be maintained, as neglect in this area can
set back growth. We all grow our plants differently. Therefore, no detailed recommendations are possible, but as
a guide let the top 25 to 50 mm of the mix in the larger pots dry before watering again. Dig into the mix with
your finger to see what it is like, and also lift the pots and plants up to test their weight. After some experience
you can judge how much water remains in the mix. Also, remember small pots dry out quicker, so it is best to group
plants by pot size. It is far easier to go ;in only one type of potting mix, but if you have several, group plants
by mix and pot size so you can selectively water to their individual requirements. When you do water, give plenty
of water. 'Because many bark mixes hare difficult to wet when they become dry, give the plants a good spray initially.
Then, a few minutes later, give a good soaking. This breaks the surface tension around the mix particles allowing
it to be properly wetted. With a small number of plants, they can be soaked in a container of water from some minutes,
then removed and laid on their side to allow drainage of surplus water. Larger collections can be placed under
a garden spray, but ensure all plants receive a good soaking, as some can be protected by foliage and not receive
what they require. The use of microtubes with automatic watering systems can be utilised, but need to be properly
set up to be effective, and specialist advice for such is recommended. Remember, plants are over-watered by too
frequent watering, not by giving too much each time.
- Continue to feed your plants, to ensure strong growth is maintained. Some
will have produced pseudobulbs, some will still be advancing their growths. Because of teh increasing maturity,
a change to a lower nitrogen to higher potash fertiliser may assist in flower formation.
Because bark mixes are nitrogen deficient, do not, however, eliminate nitrogen, just reduce the proportion. Apply
epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 5 litres of water and applied to the plants to facilitate
spike initiation
- Some of the early flower spikes will now be well advanced, others will be just starting to be seen.
Spike managemeut is more fully detailed on this link page, click on
the link. Once they are well up, insert stakes into the mix to protect them, as you do not want them broken off
now. The spikes come from the base of the new pseudobulb and the flower spikes are more rounded in section see
buds or spikes page ;for more details.
- With hot dry conditions, red spider and red
spider mite will be a continuing problem. Increase humidity as this keeps these pests down, but
if necessary apply sprays. There are specialist produces ensure you follow instructions and safety measures during
application. Several applications 7 to 10 days apart may be required because of re-infestation.
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