Question
I purchased Sweet Heart "Spring Pearl" at Obon Celebration. It is in a 4" pot, has four small clusters of leaves. Will this variety grow well outside year round in San Jose? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you, James Briones

Answer
Hello James,

Hi neighbor.  Where in San Jose do you live?  I live in the Blossom Valley area near Oakridge Mall, about a mile distance.

So you bought a Cym. Sweet Heart 'Spring Pearl' at the Obon in San Jose over the weekend.  Did you participate in the dancing or just watch like I do? (grin)  Well, actually I go there to eat.  (big grin)  

Cymbidiums can be grown outdoors year round here in San Jose, you just have to be mindful of any winter frost. If temperatures are forecast to be below 40, it would be best to move it to where it will have some overhead protection.  Cyms can easily withstand temperatures near freezing but if there is a spike with flowers or buds, it is best to keep it where it stays above 40 to prevent damage to them.

As mentioned, cyms can withstand some cold but they also can withstand temperatures above 85 if kept on the moist side and under 50% shading.  Water it in the early monning when the potting mix is almost dry, in summer this can be from every 2-3 days and in winter once every 2-3 weeks.  Place it where it will be exposed to some gentle breezes.  Feed it a balance type fertilizer recommended for orchids at about 1/2 of the amount suggested on the package.  Cyms love sunshine, especially morning sun with 50% shade in the afternoons.  The leaves will be light to medium green color when getting proper light exposure.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.