Orchids By Art

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Cymbidium Bermagui 'Edith'

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A man and his Cymbidium obsession

- How did you get started with cymbidium orchids?
My wife and I bought our first cymbidiums in March of 1984 at Stewart's Orchids in San Gabriel. Ever since then, I haven't stopped buying orchids.

- What was your first orchid?
On that day, in 1984, we bought a Thethy's 'Black Magic' that had 3 spikes in a gal. pot for $135. The flower was a very dark red with a purple lip. It was the most expensive orchid we bought that day. I also bought a 1 gal. pot of Sunshine Falls 'Fern Graham' that was light green and arching for $50. I've been able to divide these orchids and have sold a lot of their divisions.

- Why cymbidiums vs other orchids?
Cymbidiums are my choice because they are easy to grow and it doesn't need a green house. They can be grown outside under a shade cloth. With water and fertilizer and a little care they will give you beautiful blooms that will last up to 3 months.

- What does your collection look like today?
I have at least 500 in my collection, from standards to novelty/intermediates to arching/pendulous types and other genera as well. Overall, I have at least 2500 pots, including seedlings and backbulbs.