In Vol. 6, Issue 328, Michael asked about the culture of Cymbidium sinense. The following is extrated from our treatment of this species at orchidculture.com.
$Cymbidium sinense (Jackson in Andr.) Willdenow AKA: Epidendrum sinense Jackson, Cymbidium albo-jucundissimum Hayata, Cymbidium fragrans Salis., Cymbidium hoosai Mak. The common Chinese name is Bay suey lan (New Year's Day Orchid). The International Orchid Commission presently registers hybrids under Cymbidium sinense, but Cymbidium hoosai has been used in the past. ORIGIN/HABITAT: Found in eastern China, Hong Kong, and in the mountains throughout Taiwan from 1000-4000 ft. (300-1200 m). It is generally found in dense or partial shade in broadleaved forests, near streams or water seepages, growing in leafy, humus-rich soil. It also grows in the Khasia Hills of northeast India, through Burma, northern Thailand, and into western China at higher elevations, usually 4600-7500 ft. (1400-2300 m). Plants have also been reported in the Ryukyu Islands. CLIMATE: Station #46696, Taipei, Taiwan, Lat. 25.10 N, Long. 121.50 E, at 21 ft. (6 m). Temperatures are calculated for a habitat elevation of 2500 ft. (762 m), resulting in probable extremes of 91 degrees F (33 degrees C) and 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C). TEMPERATURE: Summer days average 80-84 degrees F (27-29 degrees C), and nights average 65-68 degrees F (18-20 degrees C), with a diurnal range of 8-9 degrees F (4-5 degrees C). HUMIDITY: Averages 80-85% throughout the year. WATER: Heavy from late spring through early autumn, and moderate to rather dry through the remainder of the year. The driest period of the year occurs in winter. REST PERIOD: Winter days average 58-61 degrees F (14-16 degrees C), and nights average 45-50 degrees F (7-10 degrees C), with a diurnal range of 11-13 degrees F (6-7 degrees C). Cymbidium sinense is extremely tolerant of a wide range of winter temperatures. In cultivation, it regularly blooms in Florida, Texas, and southern California, but it also grows well with extended periods of near freezing temperatures in more temperate climates. Note that the probable record minimum temperture in the Taiwan habitat is 25 degrees F (-4 degeees C). Rainfall is lower for a 1-2 month period in winter, and water should be reduced but not eliminated during this time. Some parts of this species9 habitat are significantly drier in winter than is indicated by the preceeding climate table. Throughout the range, however, high humidity and nightly cooling result in frequent, heavy deposits of dew, with even more water available as mist from fog and low clouds. These conditions may be simulated in cultivation by occasional early morning mistings, with a light watering every 2-3 weeks or so, especially if a period of bright sunny weather is expected. Some growers recommend just enough water to keep the pseudoblbs from shriveling. Fertilizer should be greatly reduced or eliminated until active growth resumes in spring. _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
