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Cymbidium re-flowering in the UK

14 years ago

Hi can anyone help me with getting cymbidiums to re flower in the UK. I put them outside in a protected situation from May to late October when the frost comes. If it's warm I water a couple of times a week but this year due to the rain they haven't gone long without water, although I wouldn't say they have been waterlogged at any time. I fed through May - July with miracle grow when feeding the rest of the garden. I've done this now for the past 3/4 years and the plants do get new growth but never any flowers. Does anyone have any suggestions for what I should change to encourage flowers? Thanks for your help.

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Comments (5)

arthurm
14 years ago
What is a protected situation? I suspect too much protection from sun might be your problem.
The "expert" Cymbidium growers in our local orchid society have them in all day sun protected by say 50% shade-cloth. I'm not sure but i suspect that they might need unscreened sun in the UK.
deereyebrow
14 years ago
Maybe you can try more sun and less water in the growing season. When they are thirsty, they might feel threatened and think about reproduce... This is something I've read about Asian cyms, and will practice on my plants.
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orchid_cleo
Original Author
14 years ago
Yes it could be too little sun then I guess. They have been sheltered under a lavender bush so sun would have been very much filtered
orchid_cleo
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi everyone. I'm very very pleased to say that I now have 3 of my Cyms with positive flower spikes and a 4th with a maybe!! The largest spike is now about 30cm tall. I have no idea how or why they have decided to spike after so many years of trying but I am so pleased they did!!
orchidnick
14 years ago
A good friend of mine just arrived after living in England for a number of years. She says the sun is usually out for at least 3 days a year. I'm sure that was your problem. Too much sun just gives you crappy looking leaves and lots of flowers but I doubt you can give it too much sun in England.

Good show on the spikes.

Nick

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