Cymbidium Orchid Plants

Botanical Name: Cymbidium species and hybrids

Cymbidium orchid plants are among the easiest to grow indoors.

Cymbidiums grow clumps of fat, stem-like pseudobulbs that emerge from rhizomes. Long, leathery leaves surround the pseudobulbs, arching outward.

For several weeks in winter or spring, sprays of long-lasting flowers open along the length of the upright stalk. Flowers are available in pink, white, red, green and yellow. Each flower has a contrasting 3-lobed center with a spotted lip.

Cymbidium Orchid Care Tips

Shed some light. Put your cymbidium orchid plants where they'll get plenty of light, but out of direct sun. If you don't have a spot near a window, fluorescent lighting works beautifully. Use 1 warm white tube and 1 cool white tube under a reflector. Place orchids about 8 inches (20 cm) beneath the light for 14-16 hours a day. It's also important to give them darkness at night. Orchids need a rest, too.

Without question, orchids love humidity. If humidity drops below 50 percent, use a humidity tray or room humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Grouping plants also helps to maintain the humidity around them.

To repot...or not. The main ingredient in orchid potting mix is fir bark, which breaks down after a couple years and needs replaced. Cymbidiums bloom best when slightly pot-bound, so you can keep them in the same container or go 1 size up. The best time for cymbidium orchid repotting is when new growth begins, shortly after blooming.

Give it a rest. Cymbidium orchid plants need cool temperatures to trigger flower buds. Give them 6 weeks of cool (45-50°F/7-10°C) temperatures in late fall. Cut back on watering during this cool rest, keeping the medium only lightly moist. After that, you can move your orchid back to its usual location.

Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia

Height: Species vary widely -- many range from 12-30 in (30-75 cm). Taller orchids may need staking.

Light: Bright indirect light year-round. Some direct sun in winter is fine.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist from spring through summer. Cut back on watering during the cool period in fall. In winter, water just enough to prevent the soil from drying out.

Humidity: Moderate to high, preferably 50-70 percent humidity.

Temperature: Average room temperatures (60-75°F/15-24°C), except for a cool period in fall (45-50°F/7-10°C) to set buds.

Soil: Orchid potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Don't feed while plant is resting.

Propagation: Division. Divide mature plants immediately after flowering by cutting the rhizome with a sharp knife. Each piece should have at least 2 pseudobulb shoots and some roots attached.