Cymbidium Culture
Cymbidiums are terrestrial and epiphytic orchids that are found growing in Southeastern Asia. The flowers are noted for their long-lasting qualities. They canb tolerate temperatures down to freezing as well as considerable summer heat. To initiate flower spikes, they require cool summer nights, especially during the months of August, September and October.
Light
Plants should receive as much light as possible short of burning the foliage. Leaves should be a light green. Deep green leaves indicate that plants are not receiving enough light. Insufficient light is one of the main reasons why cymbidiums fail to flower. Outside, plants should be grown under 45% -55% shade. During the flowering season, add additional shade to prevent bud drop and protect flowers from fading.
Temperature/Humidity
Cymbidiums thrive when temperatures range from 45 degrees at night o 80-90 degrees during the day. Plants can withstand temperatures as high as 100 degrees and as low as 28 degrees without serious damage. Night temperatures must be cool to initiate flower spikes. Humidity should be approximately 45% to 50%.
Air Circulation
Cymbidiums benefit from good air circulation. Plants should be on open benches approximately 3 feet above ground level. Do not crowd cymbidium pots. Leave enough room between plants to allow air to circulate freely. Air moving around the plants helps to keep them cool on hot sunny days and aids the leaves in drying before nightfall.
Water
Cymbidiums require lots of water. Once a week is usually sufficient during the semi-dormant season; during hot summer months water two to three times a week. Never allow plants to completely dry out. Plants benefit from an overhead misting on hot, sunny summer days. To discourage rot, always water early in the day so that plant foliage dries completely before nightfall.
Feeding
Cymbidiums are heavy feeders. Plants should be fertilized every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. From April through July, use 30-10-10; from August through March, use 15-30-15 (low nitrogen). Plants should be moist when feeding. Never feed a dry plant! To promote the initiation of flower spikes, top-dress plants with Epson Salts once a month during July, August and September at the rate of 1 tsp. per 1 gallon pot. The supplement of Epson Salt is in addition to your regular feeding schedule.
Repotting
Plants should be repotted every two to three years, or when growth crowds the pot. Young plants can be moved up to lager containers without dividing. When dividing mature plants, divisions should have at least three to four bulbs; back bulbs (dormant bulbs) should be removed for potting out and developing new plants. Use straight fir bark or a prepared mix designed especially for cymbidiums. Label plants clearly with the name of the plant and the date of repotting. Newely repotted plants should be watered thoroughly and then placed in a shady location for 10 to 12 days. During this time they should not be watered or fertilized (foliage may benefit from a light misting). Afterwards, move plants to their regular location and resume your normal watering and feeding schedule.
The information provided herein is very general and intended as a guideline only. There are many methods of cymbidium culture adopted by different cymbidium growers that work well for them. As you become familiar with your cymbidiums and get to know other growers you will adopt the growing program that works best for you and your growing conditions.
Cymbidiums are terrestrial and epiphytic orchids that are found growing in Southeastern Asia. The flowers are noted for their long-lasting qualities. They canb tolerate temperatures down to freezing as well as considerable summer heat. To initiate flower spikes, they require cool summer nights, especially during the months of August, September and October.
Light
Plants should receive as much light as possible short of burning the foliage. Leaves should be a light green. Deep green leaves indicate that plants are not receiving enough light. Insufficient light is one of the main reasons why cymbidiums fail to flower. Outside, plants should be grown under 45% -55% shade. During the flowering season, add additional shade to prevent bud drop and protect flowers from fading.
Temperature/Humidity
Cymbidiums thrive when temperatures range from 45 degrees at night o 80-90 degrees during the day. Plants can withstand temperatures as high as 100 degrees and as low as 28 degrees without serious damage. Night temperatures must be cool to initiate flower spikes. Humidity should be approximately 45% to 50%.
Air Circulation
Cymbidiums benefit from good air circulation. Plants should be on open benches approximately 3 feet above ground level. Do not crowd cymbidium pots. Leave enough room between plants to allow air to circulate freely. Air moving around the plants helps to keep them cool on hot sunny days and aids the leaves in drying before nightfall.
Water
Cymbidiums require lots of water. Once a week is usually sufficient during the semi-dormant season; during hot summer months water two to three times a week. Never allow plants to completely dry out. Plants benefit from an overhead misting on hot, sunny summer days. To discourage rot, always water early in the day so that plant foliage dries completely before nightfall.
Feeding
Cymbidiums are heavy feeders. Plants should be fertilized every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. From April through July, use 30-10-10; from August through March, use 15-30-15 (low nitrogen). Plants should be moist when feeding. Never feed a dry plant! To promote the initiation of flower spikes, top-dress plants with Epson Salts once a month during July, August and September at the rate of 1 tsp. per 1 gallon pot. The supplement of Epson Salt is in addition to your regular feeding schedule.
Repotting
Plants should be repotted every two to three years, or when growth crowds the pot. Young plants can be moved up to lager containers without dividing. When dividing mature plants, divisions should have at least three to four bulbs; back bulbs (dormant bulbs) should be removed for potting out and developing new plants. Use straight fir bark or a prepared mix designed especially for cymbidiums. Label plants clearly with the name of the plant and the date of repotting. Newely repotted plants should be watered thoroughly and then placed in a shady location for 10 to 12 days. During this time they should not be watered or fertilized (foliage may benefit from a light misting). Afterwards, move plants to their regular location and resume your normal watering and feeding schedule.
The information provided herein is very general and intended as a guideline only. There are many methods of cymbidium culture adopted by different cymbidium growers that work well for them. As you become familiar with your cymbidiums and get to know other growers you will adopt the growing program that works best for you and your growing conditions.