cymbidiums Terrestrial????

[jmateosky]

Hi,

Lots of info out there some good and some????? I have several cymbidiums and they are doing good. I really want to plant them into the ground. I have some neighbors who have done this and they look really nice. I am currently using 2 potting mixes: 1 coconut husks in small pieces. 2) horse manure, some rich dirt and rice husks ( to help with drainage). The plants in horse manure look a little happier.

I am looking for any and all input here on growing cymbs in the ground.

BTW I live at 5000 ft so temps 12-18c at night 20-30c in the day.

Jim in Costa Rica

[Bobfharris]

Hi Jim
I have quite a few customers here in Hawaii who live at 3000 feet and higher who grow their cymbidiums in the ground. Yes drainage is the key, not so much the media as Cymbs will grow in just about anything. We use Cinder here. Just feed them well and they'll be fine. Your temps sound ideal and you may even be able to flower year round like they do in Colombia by fertilizing 6 weeks before the sun is overhead with high potassium fertilizers.
Good luck!

[jmateosky]

My only real problem here is once or twice a year we have a period of clouds and rains that last for 3-4 weeks and it rains and rains. and can cause some fungus. I have been thinking of creating some sort of cover. I guess your point to a well drained mix.

Do you all grow warm tolerant cymbs?
Thanks,
Jim

[Bobfharris]

Yes I do grow warm tolerant ones as well as cool ones. I grow the warm ones at lower elevations. Drainage is the key. They will tolerate a lot of rain (it can rain a lot in Hawaii up the mountains) as long as they have good drainage.