Cymbidium and Protea Care

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Plant Care

Cymbidium Orchid

Proteas

1

Temperature Requirements

-      USDA Zone 9 (Low).

-      Temperature Range -2c to 25c.

-      Spike development when evening autumn temperatures drop below 10c.

-      Always protect from frost.

-      Successful indoor and outdoor plant, ensure that temperature and protection requirements are met.

-      Proteas generally grow best in USDA zones 8 through 11

-      Temperature Range -5c to 35c

-      Proteaceae, generally are not frost resistant, although some can take snow and wet/cold conditions. (Please check species requirements)

2

Light Requirements

-      When grown outdoors ensure adequate protection from direct sunlight, either in the shade of a tree or under 50% shade netting.

-      When grown indoors, light is naturally diffused, so place near north facing window so plant receives maximum available indoor light.

-     Maximum sunlight and air circulation

3

Water Requirements

-      Always ensure a moist growing medium.

-      Water with a thorough soaking twice a week during the hot summer months and once per week during winter.

-     Proteas can survive with as little as 300mm precipitation and many proteas will tolerate and, in some cases, greatly benefit from annual rainfall of up to 2000mm. (Please check species requirements)

4

Humidity Requirements

-      Cymbidium orchids enjoy an average yearly humidity level of between 40% - 60%.

-      The Proteaceae family prefers warm climates with low humidity levels. Humidity levels should never be above 80% for prolonged periods. 

5

Fertiliser Requirements

-      During the foliage growth season (spring through late summer) use a high nitrogen-based orchid fertilizer. (Apply every two weeks)

-      In autumn through winder use a phosphorus-based orchid fertiliser beneficial to flower spike formation. (Apply every two weeks)

-      Apply organic based fertiliser (Chicken manure) or slow-release fertiliser (Osmocote) once a year.

-      Proteas do not need fertilizer. Too much phosphorus in soil levels will lead to their demise. Infrequent application of mild organic fertiliser can be tolerated.

6

Soil Requirements

-      Use orchid mix containing tree bark.

-      Most species and cultivars require well-drained, acidic soils with a Ph of 5.5 or less.

-      In some cases, pH can be as low as 3, except for a few species which grow in limestone rock along the south coast of the Cape. It is possible to grow proteas in heavy clay and silt solids, or in limestone areas where there is excessively high ph.

-      Soils should have a low phosphate content, a relatively low humus content and more calcium than magnesium.

-      (Please check species requirements)

7

Propagation Requirements

-      Main propagation is through pseudobulb division.

-      Other techniques included tissue culture (Cloning) and seed generation and germination.

-      Certain breeding programs focus on plant propagation through seed development

-      Given the accessibility of clonal selections, the method of choice among a large percentage of commercial growers is to propagate from cuttings.

8

Up Potting Requirements

-      Repot in the spring after flowering season when plant and pseudobulbs have outgrown the pot or when potting mix has decomposed.

-      Up potting should aim to accommodate the plant for the next two to three years

-    Some proteas species make great container plants.

-    Select large pots and use a good quality, bark-type potting soil.

-    A good potting mix is two parts river sand, two parts coconut coir and one part vermiculite or perlite.

-    Remember, Low Ph, Low Phosphorus and excellent drainage is required. 

9

Pests and Disease

-      A well-established cymbidium should be resistant to most insects and diseases.

-      But with the orchid plant family, there is some risk of aphids, scale, and other insects. Identify and treat soonest with orchid insecticide and disease products, following label directions correctly.

-    The most common protea disease is caused by the fungi Phytophthora spp., commonly known as dieback. 

-    Phytophthora harms the plant root system and crown leading to the potential death of the plant

-    Monitor for pests and diseases. Continually monitor and treat where necessary.

-    Detailed literature available on pest and diseases affecting the Proteaceae family.

-    Diseases, symptoms, and control measures are covered in Protea Diseases by Sharon von Broembsen