Cymbidium Orchids
Now a classic any-occasion corsage, Cymbidium is the oldest cultivated orchid, beloved by Confucius. The long grassy leaves make big plants, with blooms of white, pink, green, yellow, or red. They make amazing cut flowers, lasting up to two months in water. If the big types seem overwhelming, look for dwarfer varieties that adapt to warmer temperatures.
Light - Best in very high light in a southern window, sunroom or outdoors in summer; leaves should be grassy green (rather than deep green, which indicates insufficient light).
Temperature - Day - cool, definitely no higher than 80F; Night - 45-50º F for good bloom; likes high humidity
Watering - Keep moist by thorough drenching twice weekly.
Feeding - Give a heavy application of soluble orchid fertilizer once a week, or use slow-release granules.
Potting Mix - Semi-terrestrial orchid mix.
Tips for Rebloom - Flowers at same time each year, needing a cold drop at night (40-45º F), usually in autumn, in order to set buds. Allow to grow very dense in the pot before transplanting.
Don't forget: Cymbidiums must be well-drained, so don't let them stand in water!
Written by Graham Rice