Cymbidium with REALLY long leaves

[let_it_grow]

I have a 2 cymbidiums, both are the same kind. I purchased the second one recently and when i took it home i noticed that the older one had leaves much much longer. They are not stringy, they are actually wider than the the ones on the new plant but are about 4' from the dirt to the tip. The pseudobulbs are not big but have been getting consistently bigger. Is it a bad thing that the leaves grow that long?

[stonedragonfarms]

It is not a bad thing at all; some in my collection have very long leaves with huge pseudobulbs, some have rather short stiff leaves and large bulbs. I believe much of it has to do with the parentage--the Indian/Himalayan species much used in standard cymbidium breeding are most all quite large plants.
Adam

[let_it_grow]

I was just concerned cause they are both the same kind of cym. I dont know the exact hybrid but it did come from the same supplier

[breeindy]

Alot of my cymbids have extremely long leaves, depends on the species but in your case weird hey! i don't think you should be concerned though. Have you seen both flower?

[let_it_grow]

Yeah I have seen them both flower. My mom was babysitting the older one while i was moving around and a few of the pseudobulbs died while in her care but 2 new pseudobulbs have grown since i have had it back and the long leaves are on the new growth. There is still some old growth left but even those leaves are shorter by about a foot. I recently repotted her and the viable roots looked great. They were thick, firm and white. I was a bit worried cause i know some plants will grow long leaves when they dont get enough light. I just tried to pollinate the new one. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it took.

[unhappykat]

Nothing to worry about with long leaves. Some have leaves that reach almost six feet, some are probably bigger, with pseudo bulbs the size of grapefruits, some also bigger. usually when cyms are growing in too little light the leaves will emerge long but very thin and easily bent at weird angles from the pseudo bulbs. as long as they are emerging wide and strong, at least towards the base of the bulb, they are fine and you just have a tiny monster on your hands.

[orchids3]

Have some Cym's with long leaves as you describe. Actually different siblings from the same cross may appear differant as they inherit differant characteristics as people do. Have a short brother and a tall brother for example. One of my cymbidiums that bloomed with 5 spikes (Cym Yellow Candy) was even more rigid and erect than last year. It may be that the Calcium and Magnesium fertilizers I used this year caused some of it. I know that my cymbidiums should get a little more light than they do and leaves may grow taller because of that. The best indcation of light is color of the leaves. Cymbidium leaves that get plenty of light will be slightly yellowish not real dark green.