Gardening with the RHS Episode 3: Orchids, spring plants and seasonal advice from the London Plant and Design Show
Mar 21, 2013
Andrew Simons, an orchid expert from McBean's Orchids, shares his extensive knowledge of cymbidium orchids, debunking myths and explaining their unique care requirements. The conversation delves into the vibrancy of the London Plant and Design Show, showcasing stunning snowdrops and irises while offering tips for nurturing spring blooms like lilies and tulips. Listeners also gain valuable insights on essential spring lawn care tasks and the importance of keeping gardening tools sharp for a thriving garden.
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Orchid Enthusiasts Struggle with Care
- Visitors admire orchid displays though many find them tricky to maintain, mainly due to watering challenges.
- Hard water and overwatering are common issues that make orchid care difficult for some.
Temperature Drop for Flowering Cymbidiums
- To get orchids like cymbidiums to flower, provide a nighttime temperature drop to around 6 to 8°C in late summer and autumn.
- Avoid keeping orchids indoors with constant warm temperatures to encourage flowering spikes.
Diverse Orchid Origins Explained
- Orchids are not all tropical; their family includes 25,000 to 30,000 species from various climates.
- Cymbidiums thrive in mountainous Himalayan conditions requiring cooler temperatures to flower.
