CYMBIDIUM ORCHIDS
Origins of cymbidiums. Growing hints, Care and repotting
Origins of Cymbidium Orchids
Cymbidium Orchids are originally from the Himalayas, over the years they have been hybridised to produce the beauatiful cymbidium orchids with long lasting flowers that we love so much. Cymbidium orchids are the orchids used in corsages and as cut flowers. Their
are two main types of cymbidium orchids, standard cymbidiums and minature cymbidiums.
Growing conditions for cymbidium orchids.
Cymbidiums, are from the Himalayas where night temperature is low. With this in mind we can understand that cymbidium orchids require some protection from extreeme heat and an overnight drop in temperature to help produce flower spikes. One technique used is to water early cymbidiums in the morning, this helps produce the drop in soil temperature required to promote flowering.
Cymbidiums prefer bright but indirect light, if the foliage is dark green, chances are your cymbidiums do not have enough light. A healthy cymbidium will have light green foliage with just a touch of yellowing. Try a sheltered position in a shade house, or under the eaves of your house.
A properly formulated cymbidium orchid potting mix is recommended. Fertilize cymbidium orchirds as soon as flower spikes appear, we suggest a specialist orchid fertilzer.
Cymbidiums do require regular watering, but don't like to be water logged. If you are using the right potting mix, water once a week in most conditions, however in hot and drying times water more frequently.
Other than this cymbidiums require little special care and attention.
Repotting or dividing Cymbidium Orchids.
Cymbidiums are best repotted every second year, in the spring after flowering has completed.
Remember that cymbidiums produce three types of bulbs:
'back bulbs' those without foliage are there to store food
'old bulbs' bulbs with leaves that may produce flowers
'lead bulbs' these are the new bulbs that produce vigorous growth and large flower spikes.
When dividing cymbidiums aim to have a lead bulb and one or two 'back bulbs', the back bulbs provide the energy needed for a new division of cymbidiums to thrive.
After dividing remove any dead roots and leave the newly divided cymbidiums to harden for a day or two in a cool place.
Repot cymbidiums in an orchid or cymbidium potting mix.
Cymbidiums love lots of feeding, once every 3- 4 weeks over summer and regular watering once a week, to help produce the flower spikes that cymbidium orchids are loved for.
