Breeding Warmth-Tolerant Cymbidiums: Parent Plants and Global Sources

Question:

Jim, I'm breeding warmth-tolerant Cymbidiums and need more breeding parents. Beyond Cym. Golden Elf, what do you recommend? Also sources—nurseries I've checked grow standards needing colder temps than I have in Hawaii.

Answer:

Hi Al,

The only person I know hybridizing warmth-tolerant Cymbidiums in Hawaii is Bob Harris in Hawi, Big Island. Find him via local orchid clubs or phone book—he's very knowledgeable.

If you can't locate him, let me know and I'll try other channels.

Follow-up: Al already knows Bob and raided his stock—needs sources outside Hawaii.

Follow-up Answer:

Ah! Outside Bob, no one else in Hawaii is hybridizing these. Look to California and Thailand.

• California: George Hatfield at hatfieldorchids.com—own hybrids + Andy Easton's warmth-tolerant lines.
• Thailand: Kobsukh Kaerantane at pakkretfloriculture.co.th (CITES permit needed).
• Australia: Kevin Hipkins at royaleorchids.com—some warmth-tolerants in breeding. A couple others just starting with Australian species.

Hatfield Orchids has sales Memorial Day weekend and July 11–13 (Santa Barbara Orchid Fair). Next March: Santa Barbara Orchid Show (many vendors, Kobsukh may attend). Royale Orchids at both fair and show—pre-order to save shipping/CITES hassle.

Join the International Cymbidium Alliance Forum: forums.delphiforums.com/Cymbidium1/. All mentioned breeders (including Bob) are members—active discussions on warmth tolerance breeding. Very informative even if you don't hybridize.

Good luck!

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA