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Home > Plant profiles > Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidium Orchids
 Botanical name: Cymbidium x hybrida
History: Orchids have captured the curiosity of generations since the time of Theophratus (372-287 B.C.). He was a student of Aristotle’s and thought orchids had medicinal qualities. They were the subject of watercolors by the ancient Chinese and Japanese who prized their long graceful leaves and wide variety of colorful blooms. Confucius (551-479 B.C.) wrote often about orchids, comparing the scent of their blooms to the joys of friendship. In the 1800’s they became extremely popular in Europe and expeditions were made to other parts of the world. Unfortunately most of these people were not orchidists and species vanished. Many European collectors of orchids, which survived being uprooted from their native habitats, died during World War I. However they’re uncertain past, orchids maintain their popularity, and are grown by gardeners all over the world.
Origin: The popular hybrid varieties have been initially bred from Burma and Annam.
Comments: Orchids are prized for their sprays of large flowers, used especially as cut flowers or for corsages in the springtime. There are two main types of cymbidiums – standards and miniatures. Where summers are warm (sub-tropical) only miniatures are recommended. Flowers are borne in long or short racemes from the base, mainly in spring. They are excellent as cut flowers as they have a long vase life.
Tips: It is essential to keep them in full sun with plenty of light during the winter, but shaded during the summer months. They are best grown and flower well when they are potbound. Plant in orchid compost so the air can circulate around the roots. They will also perform well when fed annually with a slow release fertilizer in spring. They are best divided once the flowers have finished every few years, once the potting material has composted. Flowering will only occur with 3 to 4 bulbs attached. Contact with the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Keeping your orchids off the ground will increase airflow through the pot and help keep snails, slugs and bugs out. Try placing a brick either side of the pot to keep it off the ground.
Contacts:
The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.
www.gabn.net
www.ext.colostate.edu
Family: orchidaceae
Size (HxW): 50-90cm x 50-90cm
Depth and spacing: Plant in orchid mix with roots 2-4 cm below top of mix.
Watering: Barely moist through winter, but water regularly through spring/summer.
Frost tolerances: Frost can damage foliage/keep in sheltered position.
Flowering time: June-October (Tracy-Anne flowers in autumn).
Soil: Orchid mix or a combination of small bark pieces with peat moss.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade.
Climate: Cool to Sub-tropical.
Pruning: Cut back damaged foliage and spent flower stems.
Fertilizer: Slow release fertilizer monthly from September-April.
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