Cymbidium canaliculatum var. sparkesii

[emydura]

First flowering plant for me. It has 5 spikes too. I love the dark burgundy flowers on this plant. The sparkesii form is highly sought after for its very dark flowers. It grows up in northern Australia where it can be very hot. It generally grows on trees in full sun and as a result the leaves are very tough and leathery. In winter, it receives little rain. Hence, I keep it bone dry for about 4 months. The growths are very small on my plant. If I can increase the size of the leaves, hopefully, I can double the spike length and number of flowers.

 

[Ozpaph]

well done

 

[Roots]

beautiful

 

[CarlG]

Well, that's impressive.

 

[Ray]

That's fantastic!

I'd love to get one of those. Around here, hot and full sun is no issue!

 

[BrucherT]

Ooh I want this! Never seen it and the compact size is very enticing! Wonder if it's available in the U.S.? Well done on you!

 

[emydura]

Ooh I want this! Never seen it and the compact size is very enticing! Wonder if it's available in the U.S.? Well done on you!

Ooh I want this! Never seen it and the compact size is very enticing! Wonder if it's available in the U.S.? Well done on you!

I wouldn't expect it would be commonly available in the US but it has been available in the past. So I expect they would be around if you look hard enough. These two US nurseries have them listed but are sold out at the moment.


https://www.krullsmith.com/p-914-cymbidium-canaliculatum-var-sparkesii.aspx

https://www.orchidweb.com/orchids/cymbidium/species/cymbidium-canaliculatum-var-sparkesii

 

[emydura]

When I said it liked bright light, I wasn't exaggerating. It likes it hot and pretty dry. It naturally grows in inland parts of Australia where the vegetation is very open and the climate is drier. It is very much like a succulent. It comes from areas with seasonal climates - very wet summers and almost no rain in winter. If you want to grow it outside then you need to ensure it is not too wet in the dry season.

As you can see from this photo, some clones can get very big in optimal conditions. I have never seen growths anywhere near as big in cultivation where most plants are pretty compact. Although plants can make great specimens. A specimen plant in full flower is a sight to behold.

I grow my plant in an unheated greenhouse where night time temperatures can get down to 2 or 3 degrees Celsius. Not ideal, but during winter I keep it bone dry which helps it tolerate these cool temps. I hang it near the roof to give it as bright as light possible.

 

[Happypaphy7]

Very nice!! If I ever end up living in warm dry climate like Spain, I'd love to try this one again.
One needs to be very careful around this plant. I once almost lost my eyes to the leaves and I'm not kidding! lol

 

[emydura]

Very nice!! If I ever end up living in warm dry climate like Spain, I'd love to try this one again.
One needs to be very careful around this plant. I once almost lost my eyes to the leaves and I'm not kidding! lol

Ouch. I can understand that. There is certainly no give in those leaves.