CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS

Cymbidium Orchids, the Cold Temperature Survivor

Cymbidium orchids are probably the oldest cultivated orchid in the world. Old records from the time of Confusius in year 500 BC have become evidence that this orchid has been grown in Chine about 2,500 years ago. It is native to China, Japan, northern part of India all the way through the Himalayas to South East Asia and northern Australia.

Cymbidiums or Cym is genus which includes about 52 plant species of green foliage throughout the year. This genus was officially introduced by Olof Swartz in 1799. The name Cymbidium is originated from a Greek word kumbos (= hole or cavity) referring to the shape of the basal portion of the lip. It is considered as a semi-terrestrial orchid which naturally grows on loose grounds of humid organic materials.

The flowers grow in raceme where each flower has a diameter of 5 – 10 cm. The blooming occurs in winter with at least 15 flowers. Cymbidiums possess a wide range of colors which include green, white, cream, yellow, yellowish green, brown, orange, pink and red where black and blue are excluded. Aside from the basic colors you can also find some marking of other color shades.

Blooming. Cymbidium flowering is prompted by the combination of lowering temperatures and reduction of water. The miniature hybrids are the results of crossing the cold climate cymbidiums with warm-house orchids which make them quite independent to low temperature to be able to bloom. But still, the two will bloom during winter, which should be the best time to display your cymbidiums indoors.

Temperature. Cymbidiums have been recognized as popular orchid species that can thrive in cold climates and recently have been making a remarkable come-back driven by a miniature hybrid of cymbidiums. These smaller cymbidiums are easier to care for and more manageable compared to the older varieties.

Being dependant on cold temperatures, the older cymbidium type should be triggered with an extended cold temperature to be able to bloom. Unlike the older type of cymbidiums which could withstand night temperatures down to 40ºF or 4.5ºC, the smaller cymbidium hybrids are less dependent on cold temperatures to be able to bloom.

Light. Cymbidiums favor dappled sunlight or more or less 50% shading if you care for them in a greenhouse. In terms of intensity, a fairly strong light of 2,500 to 3,000 fc is sufficient. If you care for a house plant, you can place them outdoors during summer, but avoid direct sunlight. The best time is in the morning where sunlight is still weak and in a shady afternoon.

Watering. Plentiful of watering can be done during their growing season which is in spring, summer and fall. Use pure water for best result, the purer the better. Possible accumulation of salt in tap water should be avoided since it may harm your cymbidium. When winter comes and the blooming occurs you should reduce watering radically but it should not be totally dried out. Check the potting media with your finger to determine whether there is enough humidity.

Fertilizer. If you wish to use a fertilizer, a well balanced and weak fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 of the recommended dosage will do well during spring and summer time. To avoid possible accumulation of fertilizer flush the potting media with pure rainwater at every 4^th watering. In fall and winter, reduce the strength of your fertilizer to half of the recommended dosage.

In relation to their characteristics, Cymbidiums are suitable to grow in the middle and along the coastal region of the Unites States and other sub-tropical regions. The common threat is the frosting temperature which could kill them.