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WELCOME to the monthly calendar of operations for orchids.
This series is based on the culture of CYMBIDIUMS, but the principles are applicable for most of the
commonly cultivated orchids. Seasonal culture recommendations for groups of orchids commonly
cultivated are also on this site, but more detailed and specific general cultural recommendations are included
here.
The information is based on articles previously published, which have been favourably commented upon. They are
aimed at new growers of these fantastic plants, to show the particular cultural requirements, and in particular
to indicate that their requirements are not difficult or requiring expensive growing facilities, and how they differ
from the commonly cultivated plants in your garden.
The cultural recommendations are based in bark culture; growing under artificial lights is not discussed.
Information on such culture can be found on the web. The general requirements for other types of growing media
will be the same in general terms, although potting techniques and watering regimes will of course vary.
Specific culture is covered on the following pages, but on more general terms based on the four seasons. .
These pages can be usefully referred to for specific culture recommendations of other orchid genera, read in conjunction
with these pages which details the monthly calendar of operations which has general application.
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It is important that you LOOK AT YOUR PLANTS as some culture is based on their stages of growth.
PLEASE NOTE: Different plants, and even each season, can vary slightly, and
reading the recommendations for last and the following month will alert you to the culture required, and you can
adjust your programme to the plants and the conditions being currently experienced. An understanding of GROWTH
AND DEVELOPMENT and of the main PLANT
HABITATS will also provide additional background information to assist in understanding plants requirements.
Plant habitats discussed are:-
HABITAT START PAGE - site layout, basic information;
ORCHID HABITATS Part 1 INTRODUCTION
ORCHID HABITATS Part 2; Habitat 1 TROPICAL LOWLANDS
ORCHID HABITATS Part 3 Habitat 2 MONSOONAL FORESTS
ORCHID HABITATS Part 4 Habitat 3 ARID RAIN SHADOW INLAND
ORCHID HABITATS Part 5 Habitat 4; HIGH ALTITUDE TROPICAL AND HIGH LATITUDE
ORCHID HABITATS Part 6 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
ORCHID HABITATS Appendix Paphiopedilum and cymbidium species habitat information
If you do experience difficulties, do not be afraid to seek assistance. Orchid growers generally are very free
with advice, and will assist inexperienced growers willingly. Making contact with a local orchid society will provide
ready assistance; you don't have to be a member but you will find the fellowship of people with similar interests
satisfying. Many societies are now on the web, and the CONTACTS link will provide the
first steps to find a local organisation. Most societies hold annual shows, and attendance at one of these events
will show what is being grown locally, and the opportunity to discuss local growing requirements
If a local society is not available, or you do not wish to join such an organisation, NEWSGROUPS such
as "rec.gardens.orchids" and Orchid Digest Online will
provide access to a wide range of knowledgeable people, and well as 'newbees'. In such groups you can find solutions
to a wide range of problems and even if you do not join in on discussions, viewing the various threads can provide
a wide range of useful information.
Site Author Details of site author, if you are interested.
The culture of cymbidiums
is not difficult provided their basic needs are provided.
The following points are worth emphasising, however:
1. Do not pamper
the plants too much. They are quite tough. Give PLENTY OF WIND AND AIR during the summer to ensure flowers are
initiated. If kept sheltered in a hot enclosed porch or glasshouse during the summer, flowers probably will not
be produced, this being a common cause of non-flowering.
2. Do not keep too shaded. The plant foliage
should be a light yellow green. If deep green, give more light. During the summer light dappled mid-day sun is
desirable, as, for example, provided by the outer branches of a tree. Morning and evening full sun does no harm.
During the rest of the year little shading should be required, especially in the autumn, other than necessary for
controlling flower colour.
3. Cymbidiums are gross feeders—maintain a programme
of plant FERTILISATION. Under heavy fertilising regimes, closer attention to watering is required to avoid problems
with salt buildup and dangerous concentrations developing if the mix is allowed to dry.
4. Properly WATER the plants. This will vary
during the year, although will soon be mastered. Any lapses in this regard can retard plant growth, and possibly
future flower production.
5. Remember, cymbidiums naturally come from habitats subject to the summer monsoons They require COOL, WET, SHADED,
SUMMERS and COOL, DRY, BRIGHT, WINTERS. As these conditions are different from what temperatue countires such as
NZ naturally recieve, thei particular requirements of the plants need to be provided under our culture.
6. Good luck with your plants—show everyone how successful you have been, and enjoy these magnificent flowers. |
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