Cymbidium orchids are renowned for their long-lasting flowers and exotic, luxurious appearance, making them a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets. To ensure you can enjoy the beauty of these stunning blooms for as long as possible, it’s essential to understand the ideal conditions and care requirements for keeping them fresh in a vase.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Conditions
Temperature
Cymbidium orchids should be stored at room temperatures above 8-12°C (46-54°F) to ensure optimal vase life. Avoid placing them in a cooler, as this can cause damage to the flowers.
Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 75-85% to keep the cymbidium orchids fresh and healthy while in the vase.
Watering and Vase Care
Watering
Use fresh, clean water and avoid softened water. Regularly check the water level and top it off as needed to ensure the stems have a constant supply of moisture.
Vase
Choose a tall, slender, clean vase or an empty wine bottle to support the long stems of the cymbidium orchids. Cut a small amount off the stem before placing it in the vase to help with water uptake.
Vase Life and Care Tips
Vase Life
With proper care, cymbidium orchids can last up to 28 days in a vase.
Handling
Handle the flowers gently to avoid damaging the pollen cap, as this can reduce their shelf life. Keep the cymbidium orchids away from ethylene-producing sources, as they are sensitive to this gas.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Ethylene Damage
Look for translucent or dried patches on the petals and sepals, or darkening of the lip and column. This can be caused by exposure to ethylene or chilling injury.
Mechanical Damage
Avoid improper packaging and handling to prevent mechanical damage to the delicate flowers.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Pest and Disease Control
Maintain good sanitation and humidity management to control pests and diseases like Botrytis and Anthracnose.
Design and Arrangement
Combine cymbidium orchids with other flowers like Celosia, Calla Lily, Rose, and Amaryllis for a unique and exotic look. Support the long stems in a tall vase to ensure proper water uptake.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of cymbidium orchids in your vase arrangements for an extended period.
References:
– Calyx Flowers. (n.d.). Cymbidium Orchid – Cymbidium spp. Retrieved from https://www.calyxflowers.com/floral-library/cymbidium-orchid/
– Eagle-Link Flowers. (n.d.). Top 7 Reasons To Love Fresh Cut Cymbidium Orchid For Florists. Retrieved from https://eagle-linkflowers.com/blog/cymbidium-orchid-for-florists/
– Joshua. (n.d.). Care instructions for florists – Joshua Cymbidium. Retrieved from https://www.joshua.co.nz/inspiration-orchids/care-instructions-florists/
– FloraLife. (n.d.). Orchid (Cymbidium). Retrieved from https://floralife.com/flowers/orchid-cymbidium/
– Floral Design Institute. (n.d.). Cymbidium Orchid. Retrieved from https://www.floraldesigninstitute.com/blogs/resources-flower-library/cymbidium