Question
I am attempting to reply to your last answer to me. I live in El Segundo, CA (next to LAX) about 1 1/2 miles from the beach. Basically cool breezes and some fog and haze, especially the whole month of June. I have 7 cyms, only one small one bloomed this year. I purchased two new ones that were beautiful. I have them in the sunlight in my patio and get water approx once a week. Not much fertilizer. I repotted my earlier ones a couple years ago and they haven't bloomed since. I used a good orchid mix from the nursery. They have constant light and full sun from about 11 to 2-3. Plants look healthy. My consolation is that I have gobs of eppys. They grow like weeds. I have orange, red, purple, mauve and a burnt orange with yellow centers. They multiply like crazy, especially the orange ones. Anyway, thanks for your replies and I will keep trying. Ardie
Answer -  

Answer
Hi Ardie,

Living in El Segundo, you're in one of the prime cymbidium growing areas in California, if not the world.  In fact, there are 3 or 4 affiliates of the Cymbidium Society of America (http://www.cymbidium.org/) in the L.A. area.  You might try attending one of their meetings, lots of friendly and knowledgeable people at them.  

When you repotted, did you divide the cyms or just put them into new mix?  What size pot did you put them in?  As a general rule, cyms along with most orchids should be repotted every 2-3 years, especially those potted in a bark-based mix.  If dividing a large cym, it is best to make divisions with a minimum of 3 green-leaved growths per.  Use a pot size that is not too large for the plant size, one that allows an inch space all around the division is best.  

Cyms are fairly heavy feeders, more so than your epidendrums.  I'd recommend feeding them all year round with a balance type fertilizer that is recommended for orchids.  

I've got a few epi myself.  As you said, they do grow like weeds!  (grin)  I've got one that is in a 12 inch pot that is almost in constant bloom year round.  It was a keiki from a friend about 12 years ago, I've picked off keikis and potted them to give to friends.  

Good luck and good growing.  

Jim