Cymbidium

Cymbidium is a popular indoor plant; its showy flowers are often used in bouquets and corsages. Generally the colors of the flower can be pink, white, red, brown, yellow or light green. It is popular due to their tolerance of temperate climate and their ability to flower during winter months.

It can tolerate most light levels, but need high humidity. Humidity can be achieved by placing the orchid pot on a tray of pebbles covered in water. To encourage flowering the plant must be kept below 55˚F with about 12 Hours Darkness for 3 weeks. During flowering it is not necessary to fertilize the plant. While re-potting the plant should be place in slightly large pot containing orchid peat and bark compost.

Light : For growing cymbidium light is important. If the plant come from cool and bright areas, they need high light but cool temperature. In cool areas full sun is tolerated. In high summer temperature, especially at night, may prevent plants from blooming. Leaves should be medium to golden green in color, not dark green.

Temperature: Temperature is another factor in flowering standard & miniature cymbidiums. Standard cymbidiums are usually grown outside in semi shade. Optimum temperature in winter is 45 to 55˚F at night & 65 to 75˚F during day. During bud period, temperature must be as constant as possible, between 55-75˚ F. In mild climates, it can grow outside round. A bright & cool location inside is best for winter months.

Water : It produces all their vegetative growth during spring and summer so it need most water during this period. The potting material should be keep moist during growing season. During late summer, Pseudobulbs complete growing so water should be reduced.

Humidity : During winter, humidity should be 40-60% especially it plants are in bud. The air should be moving to prevent fungus from spotting the flowers.

Fertilizer: During growth season, highnitrogen fertilizer must be used. In late summer, use a high phosphorus, blossom booster fertilizer 10-30-20 to help form bloom spikes. In wimter, fertilize once a month.

Potting : After flowering potting is done in spring. Potting is done usually every two years when potting medium decomposes. We must select a pot that will allow for at least two to three years of Pseudobulb growth before crowding the pot. We can spread the roots over a cone of the mix in the bottom of the pot and fill the container with medium. The plant should be keep shaded and warm until new growth sprouts.