Okay...after seeing all the Cyps on the site I'm really itching to try some! I live in Southern California...are there any that are native to this area? What would someone recommend for a beginner?

Cyp californicum? :confused: heard that one is *supposed* to be pretty easy... but easy for one might be difficult for another.

parviflorum, reginae, and formosanum are also *easy* ones for beginners. :thumbsup:

he is in California we need species that does not need as cool of a winter rest unless he wants to put them in the fridge

When we remodeled the kitchen, I kept the old fridge. I don't use if for anything now. I think the intention was to keep it for party platters or something like that...I think it would be okay for me to put plants in there!

Cyp californicum...LOL...someone please agree with me that that name sounds absolutley hilarious!

Would I grow Cyps indoors, outdoors, in the GH?

Yes, there are native Cyps in California but I doubt you'll find any growing naturally in the southern part of the state. They do need the cold freezing temps to hibernate.

They also need a cool growing environment. I have heard that if the root temps get over about 75 for a long time, then they will die.

he is in California we need species that does not need as cool of a winter rest unless he wants to put them in the fridge

I think he HAS to put them in the fridge. I am not aware of any cyp species/hybrids that do not require a cold winter rest.... but he has a spare fridge, then it'll be perfect :p :woohoo:

Hi Ralph,
You live in the bad part of the state to try Cyps. Is it hot and dry during the summer?

Cyp californicum is not necessarily easy to grow because it needs cold roots and a big daily temp change, among other reasons. Not to mention that it's impossible to buy!

Best,
Ross

Ralph,

I appreciate your enthusiasum for growing Cypripediums, but I'm afraid you would only be frustrated no end if you tried to grow any. With the exception of the Mexican species and perhaps C. subtropicum, they are all cool temperate to boreal plants, and require not only a cold winter, but a cool summer. All of the species native to your state are found in mountainous areas with "real" winters, and relatively cool summers.

If you feel you must try one, then either C. formosanum or C. kentuckiense would be the best choices. Both can endure long, hot summers provided they have a good winter rest. Being woodlands plants they also need humid conditions throughout the growing cycle. Hot, dry air is a no-no. Also, water quality must be at least reasonable. Akaline mineral rich water will kill them fairly quickly. Perhaps an even larger issue is soil temperature. It must not exceed 70F for any period of time or the roots will be stressed, and the plant will go into decline. The winter dormancy should be no less than three months with temperatures between freezing and 40F (C. formosanum can stay dormant if temperatures don't exceed 50F as long as it goes no higher).

Having said all that, I've heard of growers "successfully" keeping both species in the LA area in highly controlled greenhouse conditions for a few years. Still, I would recommend you not try any. I live in a climate that has a hot summer and only cool winters and all I ever get is leaves out of them. At least they're still alive!

Ralph,

I appreciate your enthusiasum for growing Cypripediums, but I'm afraid you would only be frustrated no end if you tried to grow any. With the exception of the Mexican species and perhaps C. subtropicum, they are all cool temperate to boreal plants, and require not only a cold winter, but a cool summer. All of the species native to your state are found in mountainous areas with "real" winters, and relatively cool summers.

If you feel you must try one, then either C. formosanum or C. kentuckiense would be the best choices. Both can endure long, hot summers provided they have a good winter rest. Being woodlands plants they also need humid conditions throughout the growing cycle. Hot, dry air is a no-no. Also, water quality must be at least reasonable. Akaline mineral rich water will kill them fairly quickly. Perhaps an even larger issue is soil temperature. It must not exceed 70F for any period of time or the roots will be stressed, and the plant will go into decline. The winter dormancy should be no less than three months with temperatures between freezing and 40F (C. formosanum can stay dormant if temperatures don't exceed 50F as long as it goes no higher).

Having said all that, I've heard of growers "successfully" keeping both species in the LA area in highly controlled greenhouse conditions for a few years. Still, I would recommend you not try any. I live in a climate that has a hot summer and only cool winters and all I ever get is leaves out of them. At least they're still alive!

Wow!! Thanks so much for that data Tom. It sounds like I would have to have a GH especially devoted to Cyps if I want to have success with them. I'm not gonna rule it out. It sounds like a fun project still; just more involved than I can afford at the moment. It sounds like it would be really special if I did do that. A wonderful Cyp collection in the hot and dry Southern California area! Ooooo!!!

I think I would like to try it too but will it leave in Reno?

Ramon:D

Unfortunately Tom is right. Unless you can grow indoors under lights with controlled temperature and humidity and keep them in the refrigerator, they would not be happy. But if you do have the space inside, they can look very nice! I have about 60 in the basement at any one time. Once I trust their health they go into the garden. Some have been inside for several years.

Ron

Is reno named after Janet Reno by any chance?

I think I would like to try it too but will it leave in Reno?

Hi Ramon,
No. Reno is way too hot & dry. However, some would definitely live at higher altitude by Lake Tahoe if you're in that area.

Best,
Ross