Cymbidium Orchid Growing Guide

What is Cymbidium Orchid?

Cymbidium Orchid (Cymbidium x hybrida) also known as Boat Orchid is an evergreen perennial epiphytic. It is part of the Orchidaceae family and is bred from the native orchids from India and South East Asia. There is a notion that Cymbidium Orchids are hard to grow, which is not true. Following some simple steps these plants are not difficult at all. Cymbidium Orchid needs dapple sun light, be potted in good orchid mix that is free draining, regular watering particularly in the warm to hot seasons and a good feed every so often. Cymbidium Orchid have a clumping habit. Their foliage is usually light to lime green and is long, arching and strappy. If the leaves turn a dark green colour this is an indication that your orchid is in too much shade. The flowers will appear in late Winter into Spring. Due to modern breeding, Cymbidiums now come in a variety of colours from white and pink through to oranges, apricots, browns, reds, burgundy, yellows, creams and greens. Orchid flower spikes usually stay in flower for about six or seven weeks if left on the plant, and if cut for a vase it’s generally around the same time. They will usually need 2 to 3 years to mature and settle before flowering. They need to be protected from sever frosts and strong winds.

Benefits of Growing Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchids have stunning and unique flowers. They make ideal pot and hanging basket plants. They are good for cut flowers and last a long time in a vase.

How to Grow Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchid Indian Summer

Climatic Zones

Cool, temperate, arid.

Plant Size

Height: 90cm, Width: 75cm

When To Plant Cymbidium Orchid

Plant anytime.

Soil Preparation

Use a good quality orchid mix. Soil must be extremely well drained. Orchids will not grow in garden soil

How To Plant Cymbidium Orchid

Plant in a filtered light position or part shade. Too much sun and the leaves will scald, not enough sun and the leaves will turn dark green. As the light conditions change during the year you may need to move them around to suit. Plant the crown just below the surface in an orchid mix.

Cymbidium Orchid Plant Care

Keep well watered when in flower and during the Summer, water so the plant is kept just moist in Winter. Don’t leave the pot base sitting in a saucer that collects water. If they dry out for a long period, they will survive, but will not flower. Below is a rough watering scheduled you could keep. Each area is different.

Summer: Two to 3 times per week.
Autumn: Once to twice per week. Slightly more often if warmer.
Winter: Once per week. Possibly not at all if in the rain.
Spring: As for Autumn.

Apply a well-balanced slow release fertilizer during Winter. You can also use specialised orchid fertiliser such as pellets or liquid fertiliser to help boost growing habit and flowers. Read directs for details.

Remove spent flower spikes and untidy foliage.

Divide and re-pot every 3-4 years cutting old or diseased roots away with a sterilised knife. This can be done in early to mid Spring.

Watch out for snails and slugs. Scales, red spider mite and mealy bugs can also cause problems.

Recommended Cymbidium Orchid Varieties

Cymbidium Orchid are stunning plants when in full bloom and can have multiply flower stems per plant.

Cymbidium Orchid Lancashire Ruby

Cymbidium Orchid Trinity

Cymbidium Orchid Heaven Scent