Caring for Your Cymbidium Orchid

Overview

Cymbidium orchids are semi-terrestrial plants native to tropical and subtropical Asia and parts of Australia. They are popular for their long-lasting flowers and can thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments with proper care.

Ideal Temperature and Light Conditions

Temperature

• Cymbidiums prefer cooler temperatures, with a difference between day (around 75°F) and night (50-60°F) temperatures to promote blooming.
• Miniature varieties can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures.

Light

• Provide bright but diffuse light, such as through a pine tree or shrub in early morning or afternoon.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn and black spotting.
• Indoors, place them in east, south, or west-facing windows.

Watering and Fertilization

Watering

• Keep the growing medium consistently moist during spring and summer.
• Reduce watering from late summer through winter, ensuring the potting mixture is barely damp to the touch during winter months.
• Use water low in alkalinity, such as rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.

Fertilization

• Use a specially formulated orchid fertilizer like Green Jungle Orchid Food.
• Fertilize every time you water during the summer growing season, flushing with non-softened water once a month.
• In winter, fertilize every other watering.

Repotting and Potting Medium

Repotting

• Repot during the active growing season, allowing the roots to callous for at least 3 days before watering.
• This prevents root rot.

Potting Medium

• Use a light, porous medium like New Zealand Sphagnum Moss or a mix capable of holding moisture while draining thoroughly upon watering.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Drainage

• Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially if growing in the ground.

Humidity

• Maintain moderate humidity (around 50%) and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal growth.

Pruning

• Cut back the stem to its base after blooming to encourage new growth.

Contaminants and Chemicals

Pests

• Monitor for pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.

Diseases

• Be cautious of fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spotting.

Chemicals

• Avoid using chemical pesticides and fungicides, opting for organic alternatives instead.

Expert Guides and References

1. Married to Plants – Cymbidium Orchids Are Blooming!
2. OrchidWeb – Cymbidium Orchid Care
3. Calyx Flowers – Cymbidium Orchid
4. OSCOV – Cymbidium Species – Month by Month
5. Smithsonian Gardens – Care of Cymbidium