Cymbidium Orchid Species

Native of mid to southeastern Asia and Australia, the cymbidium orchid thrives in regions with cool nights and warm days. Flower sizes range from 1 to 5 inches. Up to 20 blossoms appear per stem, surrounded by strap-like, thick foliage.

Lighting Requirements

• The cymbidium orchid benefits from filtered sunlight. Foliage color can help determine if the plant is receiving adequate light. The leaves should appear a yellowish-green. Leaves that are dark green in color are often receiving insufficient light. The flowers of the orchid will show improved color clarity if they are shaded.

Temperature and Humidity

• Flowers appear from February to May. The plant can withstand temperatures that plummet to 28 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring and still produce ample blossoms. The plant prefers a humidity range of 50 to 80 percent, according to Colorado State University. In the fall, the plant should sustain six to eight weeks of cool temperatures that hover at 45 to 50 F during the night to encourage spring flowering.

Growth Habit

• In its native habitat, the cymbidium orchid grows as an epiphyte. It depends upon a tree to support its root system, and collects nutrients from rainfall. The plant grows well in a pot with bark chip, perlite, sand, and peat moss medium.