Question RE: Cym. madidum hybrids

[smweaver]

For those of you who grow Cymbidium hybrids containing the species madidum in their background, I have a question. Do you give your plants cool winter nights like standard cymbibium hybrids, or do you provide warm nights for them (like madidum receives in nature)?

[Lagoon]

I continue to give them bright lights and warm conditions and water when they need, very easy

[smweaver]

Thanks, Gloria. Do you experience any problems with bud drop if the plants are kept warm in the winter? I have a seedling of Cym. Lambert Day that's forming its first spike (currently about three inches tall), and I want to make sure that it doesn't need the cool temps. that standard Cymbidiums require. The last thing I want to see is a bunch of dropped buds laying on the flower around the base of the plant if the temperature stays too warm (especially at night). Thank you again for your feedback.

Steve

[Lagoon]

Steve,
I wish I had the exact answer your looking for, But I don't, your further along then I am with my bulb cymbidiums seedlings, Wish I could tell you more.

I have not had any problem with buds blasting with my other warm growers - and boy did it got hot during the bloom period. I just kept them well watered with good air circulation. Some buds I didn't even notice and they took direct sun, came out no problem. I guess they're tougher then we think.
Hopefully some others growing these will chime in. I'd still like to hear your outcome Steve.

Good luck

[Bobfharris]

Originally Posted by smweaver

For those of you who grow Cymbidium hybrids containing the species madidum in their background, I have a question. Do you give your plants cool winter nights like standard cymbibium hybrids, or do you provide warm nights for them (like madidum receives in nature)?

Here in Hawaii I grow (and sell) lots of madidum hybrids. Our nights are never below 60 and while I've had bud drop on some supposed warm tolerant hybrids, I've never seen bud blast on the madidum hybrids. Parish Madness, Pat Ann etc.and madidum itself.
Bob

[smweaver]

Thanks, Bob. I've got the plant growing alongside the cooler-growing Angraecums (magdalenae and sororium), where the nights are staying somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 52 F. Hopefully the spike will flourish given "standard cymbidium care." But if not, then I'll attempt to grow it warmer. The down side to this experiment, of course, is that if the plant turns out not to enjoy the low night temps' and drops its bud, I'll have to wait until next winter to see if it prefers something warmer. So far it (the spike) is not turning mushy or looking any worse for the experience of being chilled at night. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Thank you again for your feedback.

Steve

[orchids3]

Mine grows outside all year in Jacksonville Florida. Have not required anything differant that my other Cyms except that it does like a lot less light. Mine was visibley yellowing until I moved it to a shadier place. Most of my cyms see at least 50% sun.

[Andrew]

I don't grow madidum hybrids but I do grow the species. I find Cymbidium madidum can take reasonably cool tempertures. Mine take brief winter temperatures down to about 2oC in my shade house although I'm sure they'd do better with a few extra degrees warmth. If crossed with cool growing cyms, I doubt cold tolerance would come into play beyond what you'd expect from normal cool growing cyms.

[orchids3]

Andrew, I have had the same experience but mist mine below freezing to prevent freezing. Do you water less in the cold weather?

[smweaver]

Thank you, Andrew. The plant doesn't seem to be minding the cool temps where it spends each night (the spike's elongating, which I'll take as a sign that the plant at least isn't resenting the nightime coolness).

Steve