CYMBIDIUM

This genus includes some 50 or so species, distributed throughout Asis and down to Australia. Most of the mountain species are terrestrial, with upright to arching flower spikes bearing blooms in many colors. In he lowlands, mot cymbidiums take to the trees as epidhytes, growing in high light. Many of these species have long pendent clusters of flowers and thick leathery leaves. Tens of created over the past century, and they are often loosely categorized by their flow size. Today, these hybirds form the basis of an important pot plant and cut flower industry in temperate climates. Traditionally, the main flowering season has been winter to spring, however selective breeding is expanding this.


CULTIVATION


Today, most hybrid cymbidiums are grown in commercial orchid composts, which are generally free draining but retain some moiture. The epiphytic species prefer a mix incorporating a high percentage of coarse bark. In the main, they like to be kept moist year-round, with extra watering and fertilizing from spring to sutumn, while they are ctively growing. Most of the cool-growing species and complex hybrids need a night-time drop in temperature of at least 50 F (10 C) during summer evenings, to help initiate flowering for the following season. This can be manipulated by giving the plants a regular light misting of water at sunset during the warmer months.


Top Tip


In summer, cymbidiums need good ventilation, filtered sunlight, and regular watering and misting. In winter, the plants need full sun, and not as much water.