Cymbidium is one of the most robust show orchids. A single spike carries 10 to 20 waxy flowers that last 6 to 10 weeks. In the cut flower trade, it is the most used orchid worldwide. In the hobby sector, Cymbidium is divided into two worlds: Standard Cymbidium for conservatories and terraces, Mini Cymbidium for the windowsill.
Current status according to Du Puy and Cribb (2007): around 55 recognized species from Asia (Himalayas, China, Japan) and Australia. Most commercial plants are hybrids with ancestors from several species.
Bright to sunny — Cymbidium needs more light than most indoor orchids. South or west windows, in summer on the balcony or in the garden. Lack of light is the most common cause of missing blooms.
The most important care question for Cymbidium: how do I trigger blooming? Answer: cool nights from August.
Cymbidium needs a phase in late summer and early autumn with night temperatures around 10 to 14 °C and warm days over 20 °C. This day/night difference of 8 to 12 °C triggers the formation of flower spikes. If you keep the plant in a warm living room in August (over 18 °C at night), you will not get blooms.
Cymbidium stores water in the pseudobulbs but needs more consistent moisture than Cattleya.
Cymbidium needs a firmer substrate than most other orchids — medium pine bark with peat content, or special Cymbidium mixes. Unlike Phalaenopsis & Co., Cymbidium likes a tight pot — do not choose too large.
Repot only every 2 to 3 years, in March or April after winter blooming. Substrate comparison · Repotting guide.
Cymbidium is a comparatively hungry consumer. During the growth phase (April to September) with orchid fertilizer every 1 to 2 waterings, at half concentration. Significantly reduce from September, do not fertilize in winter.
Most common cause: too warm nights in August and September. Cymbidium needs 10 to 14 °C at night to trigger blooming. Solution: place on the balcony or garden from August.
Standard Cymbidium only down to about 5 °C. They die below freezing. In October, move to frost-free cool quarters (conservatory, cool stairwell, bright bedroom with 8 to 15 °C).
Mini Cymbidium hybrids — smaller, manage well with higher night temperatures, less demanding for blooming induction. Standard Cymbidium needs a conservatory or outdoor summering.
6 to 10 weeks per flower spike. Standard Cymbidium blooms in late winter and spring, some hybrids also bloom multiple times a year.
When repotting, if the plant has at least 6 pseudobulbs. Divide into groups of 3 to 4 pseudobulbs by hand or with sterile scissors. Each division blooms the following year.
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