Cymbidium Orchids
- BOTANICAL NAME
- Cymbidium hybrids
- PLANT TYPE
- Evergreen orchid
- SIZE (HxW)
- 10-90cm x 10-50cm
- DEPTH & SPACING
- Plant into a pot, or hanging basket of orchid mix with roots 2-4 cm below top of mix.
- SOIL
- Orchid potting mix is ideal. Or a combination of small bark pieces with peat moss - there are plenty of DIY recipes in orchid books or online. Do not use standard potting mix.
- ASPECT
- Bright, filtered light
- CLIMATE
- Cool to Sub Tropical - As cool growing orchids they require cold winter nights to flower well (10-15C at night).
- FROST
- Sensitive
- WATER
- Barely moist through winter, but water regularly through spring and summer. Flush the pot monthly when you are fertilising.
- FERTILISER
- Add diluted, liquid orchid fertiliser a couple of times a month in spring and summer, then monthly in autumn, following directions on the package, as they all differ. Liquid fertilisers are readily enjoyed by the plants as the nutrients are immediately available, but they flush through quite quickly which is why you have to apply so often. Ideally flush the pot every other month (pop it under the tap and let the water run out the bottom) to avoid a build up of fertiliser salts in the potting medium. You can also take the easy route and use slow release fertilisers, just follow the packet directions.
- FLOWERING TIME
- Winter to spring. It takes around 12-36 months to mature for blooming - patience well rewarded for many years to come. Flowers last from 4 to 12 weeks on the plant and 2 to 4 weeks if cut for the vase.
- AFTER FLOWER CARE
- Cut back spent flower stems and damaged foliage.
- NOTES
- They are easy to grow as long as you cater for their basic needs: use an orchid growing mix; position the plant in dappled light; and keep just moist. These are cool growing orchids so don’t require humidity. They grow and flower best when they are pot bound. Every two to three years, after the potting material has composted, they are best divided in spring once the flowers have finished. Flowering will only occur with 3 to 4 bulbs attached. If in pots, keep your orchids off the ground by placing a brick either side of the pot, this will increase airflow through the pot and help keep snails, slugs and bugs out.
