Look at this... !!

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Just had to show you my lovely orchid that my Mum gave me 2 years ago. I took this picture last week. There are 77 buds on it and yesterday there were 55 full or partially open.

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[Mimi]

Wow :o  Dawn that is fantastic.  Is it a cymbidium orchid??  I have just bought on (going at half price in a local garden centre but still with a flowering spike)  Are you growing it outside or is it in a conservatory?? Mine is in the living room at the moment and according to the instructions that came with it, I should put it outside once danger of frosts is over.  I would be grateful for any tips  to promote a repeat performance of flowers next year.

[eileen]

Dawn that is a must for the April competition!!!  ;D That first piccie especially is absolutely gorgeous!!!

[Deleted]

Hi Mimi,

Yes, its a cymbidium. When my Mum first gave it to me it had 4 spikes. I keep it in the conservatory in the winter and then put it outside once chance of frosts have gone. The first year I watered it lovingly outside (rain, not tapwater), then fed it in the Autumn. It did nothing - not even 1 bud.

So last summer I just stuck it outside behind the garage and just chucked a bucket of rain water over it now and again (i.e. when I remembered). I started to feed it with orchid food when i brought it in again, and its rewarded me with this lovely display.

In the winter, or dry weather, I revert to tap water, but let it stand for a day or so before using it. Don't know if this makes a difference or not. It's also very very pot bound, whch they love apparently - they like it cosy, not spacious!!

Good luck with yours Mimi

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Thanks Eileen

[Mrs Ava]

WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!

That is the most amazing thing!  You very clever person you!  I am everso impressed.  Never given orchids a go, have a couple of little critters thanks to MagpieDi, but nothing like that scale.  I often look at them in the garden centre but they are so many pennies that I just cannot justify the cash.

Well done you!  Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeutiful!!!

[Marianne]

Oh Dawn, that is absolutely gorgeous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o ;) :D

[Jesse]

Wow, you must be very proud! Well done! I was given two beautiful yellow orchids 6 years ago as a maternity leave present, unfortunately I managed to kill them both  :'(.

[TULIP-23]

Dawn :)

What a Plant you must be chuffed to beans 8)

You go girl....put it in the picture Comp

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Thanks for the lovely comments - am chuffed with it! (not sure that there is a picture comp at the moment though)

[Deleted]

Ooops! Just found it!

[Doris_Pinks]

That is absolutely beautiful Dawn, and the great thing is the flowers last for weeks and weeks!