Cymbidium Orchids

KEY FEATURES

CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

Cymbidium flowers last for several months, and they typically bloom early in the year to brighten a winter day. They are hardy enough to withstand a few degrees of frost. Cymbidiums are grown outdoors in many parts of the country. Cymbidium orchids have an oriental look with their grass-like leaves and the flowers high above the foliage. Flowers have excellent, lasting qualities and come in every color but blue.

CYMBIDIUM ORCHID CARE

LIGHT

This is the single most important factor for good growth. Lack of light is the most common reason for a blooming size plant to fail to produce flowers. These plants like as much light as possible without burning their leaves.

WATERING

A hot, wet summer is fine as most cymbidiums originate from monsoon areas. A bit dryer during the cool winter season is preferred. The best way to judge water needs is to pick your plant up and water according to weight. A dry plant will feel very light.

HUMIDITY

Adjust humidity by seasons. Higher in the summer growing months, around 50-70%, and lower in the winter, around 40-50%.

TEMPERATURE

Cymbidium orchids will tolerate extremes but remember, a good rule of thumb is if you are comfortable in the growing area, then your plants are going to be comfortable, too. Daytime temperatures should be kept below 86 degrees. Night temps should be between 40 – 65 degrees. Plants prefer the lower end of these temperature ranges during bud formation and flowering. All orchid flowers last longer if kept on the cooler side.

FERTILIZER

Feeding is largely dictated by seasons. More fertilizer with higher levels of nitrogen during the summer months and a small amount of balanced fertilizer during cooler months.

POTTING CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

Potting Cymbidiums should be done at least every two years. Cymbidiums prefer a more moist medium than most orchids. A mix used for paphiopedilums or seedlings will usually work just fine. The good culture of all orchids must have good air circulation. Proper ventilation reduces the chance of disease and helps flowers to last longer in good condition.

OTHER ORCHID SUGGESTIONS

PHALAENOPSIS – Phalaenopsis is one of the easiest orchids to grow, and the blooms can last for many months. They are an excellent choice for a beginner orchid parent. Phalaenopsis orchids’ biggest threat is the risk of rot. Be sure to keep the crown of the plants dry, especially at night. Also, groom your plants constantly, remove all old leaves and flowers, and check for bugs. These orchids are an advantageous plant for the beginner due to their easy culture.

PAPHIOPEDILUM ORCHIDS – Paphiopedilums or “paphs” are very easy to grow. They remain compact in their growth habit and have attractive foliage with long-lasting flowers in a wide range of colors. Although classed as terrestrials, they do not really grow in the ground. Rather, they grow in a layer of decaying vegetation found on the forest floor. It is helpful to know where an orchid grows in nature to more easily duplicate these conditions in our home or greenhouse. Shop City Floral Garden Center in Denver, CO, for the best orchid selection!

VANILLA ORCHIDS – The Vanilla Orchid is grown for curiosity more than the flower. The fleshy green leaves grow in a zig-zag pattern clinging to the bark by aerial roots formed by each leaf node. The plant can climb up to 30 feet tall when it then produces the flower and the seed pods. The blooms are yellow-green with a yellow-orange labellum resembling the Cattleya flower. Since the Vanilla is vining, a stake or trellis should be used for support.