The hobby Cymbidium scene.
Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2022 5:04 pm
It seems to me from a very cursory observation that the the hobby scene in suitable areas in Australia is both vibrant and growing. I see new names and some very well-grown and good quality plants being posted on various Forums. A continuing plea is for information on possible new sources of various types of Cyms. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Some shonky operators will cash in on the tight supply with old and tired re-clones. There are several really slippery traders in Australia, all with their little "rollover Lab" cranking stuff out. But I believe a new nursery offering a range of quality Cyms is in the offing. Watch this space!
To me, the US hobby Cym scene is dire. So few Cyms of any sort grown outside of California, especially standard Cyms. Yes, there are a few (fewer than ten!) really keen collectors/hybridizers but basically it has all become a pot plant market for the very limited supply of flowering Cyms. I am following Cym hybrid registrations and the US is MIA!
I sense some uptick in Cym interest in S. Africa which is a positive. Duckitt Orchids are a very professional cut flower export operation and some interesting Cym photos have been posted to Facebook by hobbyists and my friends at Plantae Orchids this past SH Spring.
New Zealand is barely progressing. Stupid import restrictions have seen a decline in both Cym and Odont Alliance flask arrivals. Plus the weak NZ dollar makes imports very expensive.
As far as I can see, apart from unusual forms of local species, the Japanese and Chinese scene is almost totally driven by commercial Cym producers of blooming potted plants with a small, though possibly growing, demand for cut flower standards and intermediates in China.
Places like the UK that were once strong Cym suppliers to the world have faded now to a very low ebb. Fortunately people like Brian Gould are expanding their collection and seeking quality new stock but the import barriers are formidable. Of course, sensible people know it's the worthless Kewites who are behind the silly restrictions.
Any Forum member who is growing in a different part of the world, chime in and tell me about your Cyms. I am always keen to find out about Cyms in unusual areas.
To me, the US hobby Cym scene is dire. So few Cyms of any sort grown outside of California, especially standard Cyms. Yes, there are a few (fewer than ten!) really keen collectors/hybridizers but basically it has all become a pot plant market for the very limited supply of flowering Cyms. I am following Cym hybrid registrations and the US is MIA!
I sense some uptick in Cym interest in S. Africa which is a positive. Duckitt Orchids are a very professional cut flower export operation and some interesting Cym photos have been posted to Facebook by hobbyists and my friends at Plantae Orchids this past SH Spring.
New Zealand is barely progressing. Stupid import restrictions have seen a decline in both Cym and Odont Alliance flask arrivals. Plus the weak NZ dollar makes imports very expensive.
As far as I can see, apart from unusual forms of local species, the Japanese and Chinese scene is almost totally driven by commercial Cym producers of blooming potted plants with a small, though possibly growing, demand for cut flower standards and intermediates in China.
Places like the UK that were once strong Cym suppliers to the world have faded now to a very low ebb. Fortunately people like Brian Gould are expanding their collection and seeking quality new stock but the import barriers are formidable. Of course, sensible people know it's the worthless Kewites who are behind the silly restrictions.
Any Forum member who is growing in a different part of the world, chime in and tell me about your Cyms. I am always keen to find out about Cyms in unusual areas.