Questions Reg. Cymbidium Tracyanum

[GlennGibson]

I have two Cymbidium Tracyanum. One I purchased in July of this year. The other I purchased in September with one flower spike that’s been in bloom for over a month and is now finished as of this week. I grow them out side. They get early morning sun and the rest of the day under 50% shade cloth. They are healthy.

Question:
What is the growing cycle? When does it put out flower spikes & when does it produce new growth for the next year?

The reason for asking the question:
The plant purchased in July has two new growths that started at the end of August . I think they might be flower spikes. They are fat and broad but not too pointed. See second photo.

The plant purchased in September (first photo) now has three new growths that are elongated and pointed. Which I am sure is new growth for next year.

I would be interested in knowing if you grow them in-doors or out-side and what time of the year do they produce flower spikes and new growth.

I would appreciate any help you can give and any growing tips if possible.

Thanks:

Glenn

[Stefan]

Glenn,
to me they both look like new shoots, even though they are different in apperance, each plant is different. With the question about the cycle, tracyanum usually flowers in fall. Please keep us posted.

Stefan

[orchids3]

I would have a look at this website for cymbidium cultural information. Casa de las Orquideas Culture Data and Helpful Hints
I grow my cymbidiums outside but precautions to keep from freezing should be taken. You really dont want to go much below 32 degrees even with the precaution you see in the website I included. It looks to me like you have early flower spikes in the picture.

[stonedragonfarms]

Glenn--

Cym. tracyanum will bloom when the current growths are mature; it will usually throw both spikes and new vegetative growth at the same time--the vegetative growths will enter a semi-dormant state when the spikes begin to elongate. In my experience, spikes on tracyanum will usually appear between the bulb and the lowest set of leaves; vegetative growth will commence directly from the side of the bulb at the juncture of roots and bulb. All that being said, fall is the usual time for tracyanum to bloom; keep in mind though that plants which are grown under "perfect" conditions (70F days, 54F nights year round) will not follow the schedule and may bloom at any time...
Hope this is of some help; you might also want to see if there are still culture sheets available on the CSA site for further reading.
Adam