Cymbidium is a monster!!!!!! - Orchid Board

Kevstar · #1 10-16-2018, 03:48 PM

Hey all!

So I ordered a Cymbidium Amelia Earhart and it arrived.. Goodness did it arrive!!!!!

Cymbidium is a monster!!!!!!-smartselect_20181016-204027_gallery-jpg

It is absolutely monstrous (in an amazing and glorious kind of way!)

But my wife is like "seriously, I love you and I love that you love orchids.. But this?? This is just a step too far"

I need to think of a way to keep this magnificent beast and quickly. I wanted to hang it but it's so big I'm not sure where it would go and it's so vast it can't go on a wondowsill.. Plus I live in the UK so outside is not an option..

I better get thinking..

rbarata · #2 10-16-2018, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Plus I live in the UK so outside is not an option..

Why do you think so?
Depending on where you live in the UK, I think most of the areas have a suitable climate for it.

This info is for Hertfordshire. See if it's correct...if it is, then you can put it outside.

Kevstar · #3 10-16-2018, 04:34 PM

Oh I'm not sure.. I just assumed it would be too cold here..

rbarata · #4 10-16-2018, 04:37 PM

See the update on my previous post with a link.
Cymbs like it cool (and need it to bloom, which you'll find difficult to do indoors).

Kevstar · #5 10-16-2018, 04:42 PM

Very very interesting.. So what temps can cymbidiums handle? I mean what is the lowest they can comfortably handle?

rbarata · #6 10-16-2018, 04:47 PM

I can tell you my experience...mine grow in a balcony faced north and in winter usually temps go bellow the freezing point (not much, around -1 or -2ºC). And they get rain everytime it happens (the predominant winds here comes from North).
The only thing that kills them is frost.

Kevstar · #7 10-16-2018, 04:51 PM

Wow!!! I had no idea!!! Clearly I should have researched (rookie mistake!) thank you!

rbarata · #8 10-16-2018, 04:54 PM

My oppinion is that Cymbs cannot be considered (or treated) as house plants (or indoor plants) because of their size and they're difficult to bloom unless cooler temps are provided in autumn/winter.
Some species grow warmer but the ones usually sold in Europe are cool growing plants.

Do your Cymb have a name?

Kevstar · #9 10-16-2018, 04:57 PM

Yes,

Cymbidium is a monster!!!!!!-smartselect_20181016-215624_gallery-jpg

rbarata · #10 10-16-2018, 05:08 PM

There's an hybrid called Memory Amelia Earhart...probably the same.
All the species in its genetic background are cool growing so don't be affraid to put it outside. That's where it likes to be. Just protect it from frost and wind (with a pot that size and all that leaf area it might fly with strong winds

)

If I show you a photo of a bloom do you recognize it?