Cymbidium Orchids: Care and Assistance Guide

The Cymbidium orchid, renowned as the boat orchid, are elegant and colorful plant with long leaves and a variety of flower colors including green, yellow, pink, and white. These orchids are native to Asian areas like the Himalayas and Australia and can adapt to cool temperatures. Depending on the species, Cymbidium orchids bloom in either spring or autumn and produce a tall spike with 12-30 multi-flowered blooms. Their ease of maintenance and low requirements make them excellent placeholders in indoor areas. 

Tips for Care for Cymbidium Orchids

Caring for Cymbidium orchid involves monitoring for pests and providing optimal growing conditions. These orchids have a majestic appearance and often emit a delightful fragrance. Flower lovers become happy to know that Cymbidium orchid blooms can last up to three months. In summer, Cymbidium produces nourished pseudobulbs, while its stunning spotted lip blooms appear in spring and winter. These orchids are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, and are a part of the Orchidaceae family. These orchids are an all-in-one station of beautiful, cold-tolerant, multi-flowered plants. With their long-lasting blooms and unique growth habits, these orchids are a wonderful addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Temperature 

Cymbidium orchids prefer a mild warmth that’s not too hot or too cold. While they can tolerate colder temperatures than other orchids, they don’t fare well in extremely hot or cold conditions. Frost is a big no-no for these delicate plants. Ideally, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C during the day, and from 13°C to 18°C at night, are best for their growth and survival.

Lighting

Proper lighting is crucial for the healthy growth of Cymbidium orchids and to ensure that they bloom beautifully. For indoor planting, place the orchids in an area that receives bright but indirect light, such as an east or southeast-facing windowsill or a well-lit balcony. When planting outdoors, always avoid direct sunlight as it can be harmful to the orchids. Instead, choose a shaded area with bright morning sunlight. If there isn’t enough natural light, you can use fluorescent lights or LEDs to supplement it. Note that dark green leaves indicate a lack of proper lighting and may require adjustments to maintain the health of the orchids.

Ideal Humidity for Cymbidium Orchids

To create a good environment for Cymbidium orchid, keep the humidity levels between 50% and 60%. Fortunately, there are three effective ways to increase humidity levels – using a humidifier, misting the orchids, or utilizing a humidity tray. A humidity tray is a simple yet effective way to create a cosy, moist environment for your orchids! Just fill a container with water and pebbles, and place it at the base of your plants. Your orchids will love the extra humidity. Out of the available options, utilizing a humidity tray and humidifier proves to be more effective than misting alone, delivering optimal results for your orchids.

Watering

Maintaining the appropriate moisture levels is crucial for the healthy growth of Cymbidium orchids. Watering twice a week is usually sufficient, but the frequency may vary based on the ambient temperature. During the growing season, check the moisture level of the medium and water daily as needed. Watering your orchids in the morning is advisable as it allows them to absorb moisture throughout the day and dry out by nightfall. It’s best to avoid letting the medium completely dry out before watering, but a slightly dry surface is generally acceptable. A moderate amount of water is enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, to prevent root rot and keep your orchids thriving.

Fertilization 

The vibrant colours of Cymbidium orchid blooms are enhanced by fertilizing the plant once a week during its growing periods. To maintain the proper balance of nutrients, it is necessary to fertilize the plant according to the watering schedule. For the best growth and health of Cymbidium aloifolium, use a balanced 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer. You can also use high-phosphorus fertilizers during the growing period. For the best results, applying half-strength fertilizer based on the temperature and watering needs of the plant can be beneficial. During the dormant period, these orchids don’t need much fertilization. However, if the plant requires it, you can fertilize it once a month after checking.

Potting, Medium, and Repotting of Cymbidium Orchids

Use a small pot that fits your Cymbidium orchid’s size for the best results. For potting medium, a good mix of bark and moss or also choosing from fern, charcoal, or coco peat is ideal for these orchids. It’s important to ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent excess water from reaching the roots. Adequate drainage is essential for all orchids, including Cymbidiums. Repotting your orchids is necessary when you notice that the roots are not getting enough space to grow. The spring season is the best time for repotting, and choosing a larger pot than the previous one is essential. Soaking the root ball of the orchid before repotting is beneficial for the plant. During the repotting process, gently remove the potting medium from the roots without causing any harm to them. Use sterilized pruners and scissors to remove any dead or damaged roots. For the new potting medium, select bark, and water the plant after a few days or weeks.

Pest & Diseases 

Regularly inspecting the leaves and flowers of Cymbidium orchid is essential to keep them free from common pests like mealybugs and spider mites. One effective method is to apply insecticides, isopropyl, or homemade pesticides to the affected areas. Diseases such as black rot and root rot, caused by overwatering, and leaf and flower spots can be treated by applying fungicides and removing the affected parts.

Lack of fertilization and proper lighting can lead to blooming issues in Cymbidium orchids. All orchid lovers want to avoid pest problems and diseases and ensure the health and longevity of their orchids. To hit that goal, consistently monitor and fulfill all the requirements of Cymbidium orchids. By doing so, you can enjoy beautiful blooms and healthy orchids.