Hardy Tropicals UK

Thanks Arlon I like Mike, he is very plant, especially palm passionate.

I saw he was'nt well some weeks ago and I was over at EPS last week. I did'nt see any of his postings, hope he is ok he has given me great advice in the past. Is there any updates on his health?

Kristen I have no idea what orchid my sister has, hopefully she kept the label.

Mike is better now but does not participate in any forums at the moment.

Cymbidium orchids can be encouraged to flower if you keep them outside all summer, until the first frosts hit.
It's nerve wracking but does the biz.

Mike is better now but does not participate in any forums at the moment.

Cymbidium orchids can be encouraged to flower if you keep them outside all summer, until the first frosts hit.
It's nerve wracking but does the biz.

I haven't had much luck with Phaleonopsis, but the Dendrobiums really like it in my bathroom. They are in a north facing window, and seem to survive on the humidity created by a hot bath/shower and the occasional feed when I remember.

They flower two to three times a year, which would seem to be more when there is a noticeable difference in day/night temps.

Steph wrote:Cymbidium orchids can be encouraged to flower if you keep them outside all summer, until the first frosts hit.
It's nerve wracking but does the biz.

Cheers, I'll read up on that one. I have a nearly frost-free sheltered corner, which might be all it takes... The downside is it doesn't get much sun.

otorongo wrote:

Steph wrote:Cymbidium orchids can be encouraged to flower if you keep them outside all summer, until the first frosts hit.
It's nerve wracking but does the biz.

Cheers, I'll read up on that one. I have a nearly frost-free sheltered corner, which might be all it takes... The downside is it doesn't get much sun.

They need a big contrast between day & night temps to spur the plant to produce flower stalks, I believe June/July and then be left outside till you fear frost.
Worked for me, I'll be repotting orchids soon and have another go this year.
Mine are really congested at the moment.

Thanks Steph re- Mike K!

Steph wrote:

otorongo wrote:

Steph wrote:Cymbidium orchids can be encouraged to flower if you keep them outside all summer, until the first frosts hit.
It's nerve wracking but does the biz.

Cheers, I'll read up on that one. I have a nearly frost-free sheltered corner, which might be all it takes... The downside is it doesn't get much sun.

They need a big contrast between day & night temps to spur the plant to produce flower stalks, I believe June/July and then be left outside till you fear frost.
Worked for me, I'll be repotting orchids soon and have another go this year.
Mine are really congested at the moment.

I don't agree, Phalaenopsis need big contrast between day & night to flower but cymbidiums only need all sun as possible.
Phalaenopsis can be in the garden only if temps are 15ºC or more at night and have to be protected from snails because their roots are very tasty for snails.
Cymbidiums are hardy to -2º or -3ºC and can resist snow short time. I have cymbidiums in the garden year round for more than 25 years when winters were more cold.

These are my cymbidiums today...

beautiful flowers acphm!

Your Cyms are beauties, I am inspired to repot mine - they certainly need something done to them.

I have used Phalaenopsis many times in my summer hanging baskets.They create a dramatic effect, and certainly beat a marigold! You must plant them still in their pots, and protect from heavy rain which damages the flowers causing brown spots on the petals.