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WSBEorchids

Cymbidium hookerianum- 365 days of orchids – day 773

Students in our temperate section are delighted to have their favourite cymbidium species in flower again.

Cymbidium hookerianum is a fantastic charismatic species from the Himalayas and one we have seen growing and flowering in Sikkim.

Cymbidium hookerianum is a really cool growing species and in Sikkim we have found it from from 1500-3000m altitude. We have observed that plants flower profusely on dead trees suggesting that the species benefits from additional feeding during the growing season as well as good light. We grow the species in our Temperate section with a winter minimum around 6C to 7C which the plants relish. In our experience the species will grow warmer but will not flower as reliably.

In February 2017 we pollinated flowers of the species from two different clones and in January 2018 we sowed the seed. Now two years after pollinating flowers the seedlings are growing really well in-vitro.

We hope to be selling these from seedlings ready to pot up this summer and offer a chance for growers to have sustainably raised plants of this wonderful species.

Many cymbidium plants we have seen in their natural habitat are clearly very long lived and Cym. hookerianum in particular appears to have adopted a strategy of becoming established on a mature tree and waiting for the tree to die before flowering to its full potential to spread many millions of seeds around the forest. The sight of dead trees, in Sikkim forests, with giant plants of Cymbidium hookerianum laden in flowers and seed pods is a memorable one and reminds us that these plants enjoy good light and heavy feeding to flourish and flower well.

Cymbidium hookerianum in-situ (hard to spot at the top of this dead tree)

Another positive for the species is the name. Hookerianum honours Joseph Hooker, one of Britains great exploring botanists. If you haven’t read Hooker’s Journals I highly recommend reading them, and then exploring Sikkim for yourself.

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Discussion

  1. D Varley says:

    Saw this plant in Western Yunnan province. Warmer there but the plant was clearly thriving.

  2. CHRISTOPHER HAYES-BROWN says:

    Hi Simon, please bear me in mind if you get a plant of this thanks Chris

  3. CHRISTOPHER HAYES-BROWN says:

    Hi Simon can you please email me the Cymbidium seedlings for sale and the price please.

    Best wishes Chris

    chrishayesbrown@btinternet.com

    • Simon Pugh-Jones says:

      Sorry Chris – I had missed your massages over half term. i will be adding Cymbidium seedlings and the Coelogynes to our shop tomorrow afternoon.
      Simon

    • christopher hayes-brown says:

      Hi Simon

      I have now ordered and paid for the Coelogyne Holochila to be sent to my work address Viscount Classical Organs Ltd Unit 10a Prestige House 23 Telford Road, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 4LD
      Had problem trying to order the cymbidium seedlings

      Thanks Chris

      Is ther no way of calling the shop thanks Chris

    • christopher hayes-brown says:

      Hi Simon

      My mobile is 07926 818679

      Thanks

      Chris

    • christopher hayes-brown says:

      Sorry Simon

      My mobile is 07926 783703

      Thanks

      Chris

  4. christopher hayes-brown says:

    Hi Simon

    Can you let me know when you have division or young plants please.

    Thanks

    • christopher hayes-brown says:

      Hi Simon

      Thanks saw the Cymbidium Hookerianum and two Coelogyne Cristates sent to my works address being Viscount Classical Organs Ltd, in Bicester.

      Thanks

      Chris

  5. Nick Andrews says:

    I would be thrilled to purchase a seedling of C. hookerianim, a speciesIhave sought for years

  6. CHRISTOPHER HAYES-BROWN says:

    Hi Simon can you reserve a couple of plants and I will pay when they are available please, thanks Chris

    • christopher hayes-brown says:

      Hi Simon
      Have you anymore seedlings of Cymbidium Hookerianum seedlings plus others that I am keen to purchase thanks Chris
      No sign of Coelogyne Holchila for sale, please bear me in mind