My first cymbidium! Any suggestions?

[3rdMaestro]

Hey everyone,
I’ve finally moved and gotten settled in Ankara Turkey. I’m still on the hunt for online vendors that sell species and registered hybrids, so if anyone knows of one please tell me. But in the meantime, I’ve found a small variety of NoID orchids in the local florist shops and I’ve decided to try out a cymbidium. What should I know about these orchids? Is their care similar to an oncidium? I am going to grow it in my apartment and summer it outdoors (that’s the plan anyway.) for the time being, it’s hanging out inside by a large south facing window with a sheer curtain. The apartment is fairly warm for a home. Any adjustments I should make?

[estación seca]

What are your winter temperatures outside?

[3rdMaestro]

They have pretty consistently been about 8 or 9 C for the high and 0 or 1 C for the low. Almost no rain, but sometimes some clouds and/or wind

[estación seca]

How low can it go? Does it freeze only overnight, or can it be below 0 in the daytime?

[3rdMaestro]

I think it warms above freezing during the day every day so far. I haven’t really watched to see what time of day it rises above freezing though, if that’s what you are asking.
As far as how low, I’ve never seen it dip below -1 or -2 at least for now…
Just looking ahead at the weather, it seems pretty consistently to be 9 or 10 during the day and 0 or 1 at night for the next ten days.

[estación seca]

I would leave it outside most of the time, with as much winter sun as possible, and only bring it inside on nights when the temperatures drop below 0C / 32 F. Then put it outside the next day when temperatures are above freezing.

They need water and fertilizer all year, less fertilizer when they aren't pushing active growths. They should never dry completely.

There is a large Cymbidium forum here where you can read more, accessible via the left yellow menu, Forums.

A large Cymbidium in a large pot would be fine at those temperatures but it's safer not to risk it with a smaller plant until you understand your climate.

[rbarata]

I saw the climate for Ankara and it seems fine for Cymbs. Just don't let them get frost / snow.

[MN Tomato]

They will love it outside in Ankara. I just posted a long rambling thread about my favorite cafe in Athens which had huge pots of cymbidiums outside all winter, although it can get a bit colder in Ankara. They did have them under an awning and up against the building, which protected them against any especially cold days.

Mine have had snow on them outside on the deck, but I bring them inside for the winter when temperatures are at freezing for more than three days, or go below -3° C. If you do not have room inside, you could pull it close to the house wall and cover it with a blanket.

[3rdMaestro]

That’s good news. Just gotta keep them watered it sounds like. Now I wish I had more space on my tiny patio for these guys haha!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by 3rdMaestro

That’s good news. Just gotta keep them watered it sounds like. Now I wish I had more space on my tiny patio for these guys haha!

Consider looking for the pendant Cymbidium hybrids. They do best hanging so that the flowers drape downward. Then you can utilize the vertical space too! Always room for one more orchid.