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The "ONT – FOCUS" section is a new addition to our web page, where we will be publishing information about the cultivation of all the most popular orchid genera. This section is aimed at all orchid lovers who need more information about the do’s and don’ts of growing a certain genus. This page will be updated on a monthly basis and will deal with a different genus or orchid-related topic every month. September 1999 This month ONT will focus on the genus: Cymbidium
GENERAL: Cymbidiums are probably the most popular and most well known orchids to be grown in South Africa. Cymbidiums flower in spring and prefer cool summers, with no frost in winter. This genus is quite resilient and given the right treatment, these plants can even be grown in your garden. Cymbidiums are also well known for their long-lasting flowers and therefore are very popular as cut flowers, but cannot be grown successfully as houseplants. Cymbidiums can be divided into two types namely: The standard type, which has large flowers, and the miniature type that has small flowers. The miniature types can tolerate more heat in summer than the standard types, but neither type grows well in very warm summer areas. TEMPERATURE: During late summer, mature plants require temperatures as low as 15 degrees Celsius to initiate flower spikes. Temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius are tolerated during daytime. If your area’s temperature rises up to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius, then you must increase your plants shading, air circulation and humidity. Temperatures of -1 to 15 degrees Celsius are tolerated by night. HUMIDITY: Cymbidiums like to grow in an environment with a 50 to 60 percent humidity. If you live in an area with low humidity, plants must be grown in a greenhouse. A humidifier must be used to obtain the right percentage of humidity. If you want to move your flowering plants indoors, place them on a tray of moistened pebbles. LIGHT: Adequate light is important for good growth and flowers. Up to 80 percent of light is recommended in an area with a moderate climate. If your plant’s leaves are dark green and limp, then they are not getting enough light. WATER: Be sure that your mature plants never dry out between watering. POTTING: Pine bark is most commonly used in South Africa. Good results can also be achieved by using "Sour Compost". Potting must be done every two to three years, usually in spring just after flowering. FERTILISER: You must provide fertiliser on a regular basis because the above mentioned potting media does not contain sufficient fertiliser. The type of fertiliser you use will depend on the type of potting media you use. So if you are not sure, it is good to use a balanced fertiliser (10-10-10 or 12-12-12 or similar). Apply a weak solution of the fertiliser on a weekly basis (One quarter to one half of the recommended dilution). PLEASE NOTE: The above information is only a general guideline on growing your Cymbidiums. Next month this space will feature a "self-assessment" guide on growing Cymbidiums.
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Please Note: The opinions & recommendations made in articles that appear on this website, are those of the individual authors, and not those of the Orchid Society of Northern Transvaal (ONT). The ONT neither adopts nor endorses such opinions & recommendations and disclaims all responsibility for them. This includes products advertised on this website. |
