How to Care for a Cymbidium Plant

Cymbidium orchids, native to tropical Asia, produce large attractive flowers, popular as both cut flowers and corsages. Cymbidiums are potted plants grown in the home or a greenhouse. Unlike some other orchids, however, cybidiums can tolerate outside conditions, if moderate temperatures prevail. Cymbidiums bloom once each season. The time of bloom depends on the particular variety. Despite the reputation orchids have as being difficult to care for, growing cymbidiums is relatively easy as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Humidifier
• Fertilizer
• Redwood bark chips
• Coarse charcoal
• Coarse potting soil

1. Ensure that your cymbidiums have the right temperatures to thrive. Make certain that daytime temperatures are between 65 and 70 degrees. See that nighttime temperatures are about 58 to 60 degrees. Understand that most cymbidiums need an eight-week period in the fall of nighttime temperatures around 45 to 50 degrees or sometimes even lower to help them form buds.
2. Create conditions where your cymbidium has 50 to 80 percent humidity. Run a humidifier in the room if necessary.
3. Give the plants plenty light to guarantee healthy growth. Ensure that the potting mix is well-drained.
4. Fertilize every two weeks between January and July. After this period, fertilize every month. Use a water-soluble fertilizer made especially for orchids.
5. Repot your plants every two or three years. Do it when the plant produces new growth, typically in the spring.

Tips & Warnings

• Add redwood bark chips, coarse charcoal or coarse peat moss to the potting soil if it is not draining well.

• Place cymbidiums outside if all of the temperature, light and humidity conditions are met. Avoid leaving them outside after the first frost.