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Light: Cymbidiums need a high amount of strong light for healthy growth and vigorous flowers. If possible they should be outdoors or in a greenhouse during the warmer months. Full sun all day with shade during the extreme heat of the day is needed. Leaves should be golden green. If they are dark green, the plant needs more light exposure.
Temperature: Cymbidiums are broken down into two groups when talking about temperature, standard and miniature. Both standard and miniature need 75-95 degrees during the day. Standard cymbidiums need night temperature to fall between 45-55 degrees for a period of 8-12 week to initiate flowering. Miniature cymbidiums can stand 10 degrees warmer and still flower. To extend the flowering keep the plant slightly cool around 60 degrees when in bloom.
Water: During the warmer months cymbidiums need a constant supply of water to the roots, never allowing them to dry out. As the temperature cools off, cymbidiums do not need as much water. Be sure to thoroughly water the plant with each watering.
Humidity: Cymbidiums growing outdoors have enough humidity in the environment. If growing indoors humidity levels should be increased. This can be done with a humidity tray. Keep air moving if plants are in flower to avoid botrytis.
Fertilizer: During the warmer months when plant is actively growing feed with a high nitrogen fertilizer such as 30-10-10 to encourage new growth. Going into the cooler months feed with a bloom formula such as 6-30-30 to promote flowering. Fertilizer should be applied at full strength weekly, with the exception of winter when monthly is adequate.
Potting: Cymbidiums should be repotted every 1-2 years just a new growth starts to emerge. A medium grade fir bark such as the off mix should be used. Sphagnum can be added for water retention. Cymbidiums like to snug in their pots. With this in mind do not over pot into a large container.
Copyright © 2008 Orchid Doctor - All rights reserved.
Devon, PA 19333
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