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Cymbidiums, also known as mothers day orchids,
are one of the most often seen orchids and often
found in bridal bouquets as well as being given
on Mothers Day.
These are the ones you see in a little box containing
a single bloom in a tiny jar filled with water.
These orchids can be difficult to flower as
they are often over cared for! Cymbidiums require
cool nights during the summer and a definite
rise in temperature during the day of at least
5C (10F) if you want to see flowers rather than
a plant pot of sword like leaves.
They do not like draughts or extremes of temperature
and are best kept outdoors in a bright position
but not in direct sun during the summer and
early autumn. They must be kept frost free though
otherwise they WILL die.
Light:
Cymbidiums like high levels of sunlight but
not directly otherwise the leaves will scorch.
Keep outdoors in summer and in a well-lit position
indoors during the winter, avoiding the direct
rays of the sun.
Watering:
These plants have very thick roots which have
a sponge-like quality; useful during the summer
months as a reservoir for the plant but not
so useful during the winter when over-watering
can be disastrous if they are kept cold and
wet.
Water during the winter at 10 - 14 day intervals
and water them by flushing the pot through with
tepid water - not cold from outside or the tap
as this will shock the roots.
During the summer months they can be watered
a couple of times a week in warm weather, less
often if it's cooler.
Don't be tempted to give a 'little drink' to
your plant because it is damp and not quite
dry as they don't like it - give it a couple
more days and give them a good flush through.
This also helps to flush out any unused plant
food.
Feeding:
During the winter months, feed the plant no
more than once a month otherwise the roots may
be burns by unused plant food. From spring to
mid summer, feed them every second or third
watering with a high nitrogen plant food, which
will encourage strong growth and big pseudo
bulbs to develop. From mid-summer through to
the following spring use a high potash feed
to harden the pseudo bulbs and encourage more
blooms.
Dilute the plant food to half to a quarter the
recommendation your pack suggests.
Re-potting:
Re-potting Cymbidiums should be done every second
year and should be done in the spring as the
new growth has started. This is also a good
time to split large plants in to 2 or more divisions,
after all they make excellent presents!. See
division for instructions. Use a good open mix
of bark compost which will allow swift drainage
of the excess water
Composting
with worms
Passion for peonies
Hosta hints
Growing
Phalaenopsis orchids
Making
the most of clematis
Succeed
with Primula auricula
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