Expert: Jim Kawasaki - 10/3/2005

Question
Hi Jim,
I am an orchid "lower" from Israel , I have phalaenopsis, dendrobium , catleya and oncidium
they grow pretty well . I will like to grow also
CYMBIDIUM but...I don't know if the conditions here in my area are appropiate . Summer from
32C to 23 C (night ), winter 24 C to 8 C (night )
humidity about 60%. light ins't problem
Do you have any suggestions ?
Thank you in advance for your attention,
joel

Answer
Hi Joel,

Wow!  You live in Isreal!  Isn't the internet wonderful when you can ask a question of a person living half way around the world.  

If you can grow cattleya and get them to bloom, you might have some success with cymbidiums too.  Your conditions are suitable for cymbidiums too.  The one difference would be that the cymbidiums can and should remain outdoors for as long as possible in winter, moving them only when there is danger of frost overnight.  Cymbidiums need the cool fall and winter evening temperatures to initiate and set the blooming cycle.  The only difference would be if the cymbidium were to be if the cymbidium were to be a miniature variety with some Asian cymbidium in their background, these prefer temperatures no lower than 10 C.  One key to proper sun light exposure is the leaf color where light to medium green is the preferred color.  Other than the above, good luck and have fun growing cymbidums.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca. U.S. of A.