Family: Orchidaceae

Cymbidiums are among the most widely hybridized of all orchids, with thousands of cultivars. They are widely distributed from Southeast Asia and China to the lower Himalayas and Australia. They are either terrestrial or epiphytic, and range from the large flowered, cool-growing species, to smaller flowered, warmer growing species and miniatures. The species have tufts of narrow, green leaves, with thick pseudobulbs or elongated stems, and racemes of gorgeous flowers, seldom more than 3 cm (1 in) across, in many colours, ranging from white to many shades of cream, yellow, pink, red, brown and green, or combinations of these tones. The cup-shaped petals are almost of equal size. With some species, the roots tend to penetrate into the bark or the decayed wood of hollow branches and often can grow very long. Hybrids, which are those most commonly cultivated, have long, sword-shaped leaves and large, showy blooms in a huge range of colours.

Species

C. canaliculatum, from northern Australia and parts of northern New South Wales, is a variable species with several recognized varieties. It has hard pseudobulbs, rough, grooved, pointed leaves and fragrant flowers which range in colour from greenish yellow to reddish purple and are often spotted. Perfect drainage and good light are essential, and care should be taken not to overwater this species, especially in the winter.

C. finlaysonianum, grown widely in Thailand, is an epiphytic type which does well in warm conditions. It produces many flowers on a drooping stalk, up to 60 cm (24 in) long, in brownish yellow, flushed with purple.

C. lowianum, a native of Burma and northern Thailand, is one of the larger flowered, cool-growing species. It is a terrestrial type, with long, large leaves and an arching inflorescence comprised of numerous flowers in greenish yellow, streaked with brown. The lip is white with a maroon patch.

C. madidum, from northern New South Wales and Queensland, has large pseudobulbs, thin, soft leaves and long racemes of small flowers, greenish yellow on the inside and brown outside. This species works well in pots.

C. pumilum, from China, has produced many miniature hybrid Cymbidium cultivars.

C. suave, from the coastal areas of New South Wales and Queensland, has a thick, rough stem, long, slender leaves and fragrant annual flowers, ranging from greenish yellow to greenish brown with a purple labellum.

Cultivation

Cymbidiums are grown as pot plants under glass in frost-prone climates and they also make good house plants, particularly the miniature hybrids. These orchids flower mainly during the winter and spring. Cymbidiums are mainly cool-growing orchids and can therefore be grown in a cool to intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. Indoors, they are best grown on a light windowsill in a cool room. Plants are grown in pots of orchid compost, which should be available from specialist orchid nurseries. Terrestrial or epiphytic compost is suitable. Make sure it contains some lumps of charcoal. Do not use too large a pot and ensure the compost is firmed well. During summer, the plants need maximum light but shade from direct sun, which can cause scorching of the foliage. The greenhouse or room should be well ventilated. The plants need moderate watering in summer plus feeding with a liquid fertilizer at approximately weekly or ten-day intervals. Mist spray with plain water daily or twice daily. During winter, ensure maximum light and cut down on the watering, keeping the compost only slightly moist. When the plants outgrow their pots (allow them to become pot-bound), pot on in early or mid-spring. At this time, large plants can be divided if you want to increase them. Another method of propagation is to remove the old, leafless backbulbs in spring and pot them up individually. In Mediterranean climates, cymbidium orchids are often grown in a shade house, such as a lath structure. Some growers place their plants outdoors for the summer if the weather is warm, in the dappled shade of a tree. It is important to watch out for pests, as these orchids are prone to attacks by several kinds, including red spider mites, mealyhugs, whitefly and aphids.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10.