If you want a beautiful houseplant that rewards you with months of blooms, look no further than the cymbidium orchid. Elegant and long-lasting, these orchids are surprisingly tough and perfect for beginners. Their tall sprays of flowers come in stunning colors and can brighten your home from winter right through spring.
They have a reputation for being easy-going, which is well-earned. With just a few simple tricks, you can keep your cymbidium healthy and encourage it to rebloom year after year. Let’s get started on everything you need to know.
Cymbidium Orchid – Elegant and Long-Lasting
The charm of the cymbidium orchid lies in its combination of grace and resilience. Unlike some delicate orchids, a well-cared-for cymbidium spike can stay in bloom for 8 to 10 weeks, sometimes even longer. Each flower is perfectly formed, and a mature plant can produce multiple spikes, creating a spectacular display.
Why Choose a Cymbidium Orchid?
There are many reasons these orchids are so popular among gardeners of all skill levels.
* Exceptional Longevity: Their bloom time is unmatched by most other common houseplants.
* Cool Temperature Tolerance: They prefer cooler nights, making them ideal for homes that aren’t kept overly warm.
* Forgiving Nature: They are less fussy about watering than phalaenopsis orchids and can handle minor mistakes.
* Spectacular Varieties: You can find them in almost every color except true blue, from pure white and green to vibrant pinks, yellows, and burgundies.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Light and Temperature
Getting the environment right is the first step to success. Cymbidiums have specific needs that mimic their native habitats.
Light: These orchids love bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is often perfect. A south or west window can work too, but you might need to diffuse the harsh afternoon sun with a sheer curtain. Not enough light is the main reason a cymbidium won’t flower. Their leaves should be a medium grassy green, not dark green.
Temperature: Here’s the key secret to triggering those gorgeous blooms: they need a distinct difference between day and night temperatures in the fall. Aim for warm days (70-85°F) and cool nights (50-60°F) for several weeks. This temperature drop tells the plant it’s time to start making flower spikes. During the rest of the year, normal indoor temperatures are fine.
Watering and Feeding Your Plant
Proper watering is crucial, but it’s not complicated once you get the rhythm.
Water your cymbidium orchid thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes. Then, let the top inch or two of the potting mix dry out before watering again. In warmer months, this might be once a week. In cooler, darker months, it could be every 10-14 days. Always avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.
Fertilizing is simple if you follow a basic schedule:
1. During Growth (Spring to Summer): Feed every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer (like 20-20-20).
2. During Bloom (Winter): You can reduce feeding to once a month or stop altogether while the plant is flowering.
3. In Fall: Switch to a “bloom booster” fertilizer with higher phosphorus (like 10-30-20) to support spike development.
The Right Pot and Potting Mix
Cymbidiums are semi-terrestrial orchids, meaning they grow in loose debris on the forest floor, not in trees. They also have extensive root systems. They do best in a specialized orchid potting mix, not regular potting soil.
A good mix typically includes:
* Fir or pine bark
* Perlite
* Charcoal
* Sometimes a little peat moss
Choose a pot that has excellent drainage. Plastic or clay pots are both fine, but clay pots dry out faster. The pot should be just large enough to accommodate the roots with a little room for new growth; they actually like being slightly pot-bound. Repotting is usually needed every two to three years, best done right after flowering finishes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting
Don’t be nervous about repotting. It’s essential for your plant’s health.
1. Gather your supplies: new pot, fresh orchid mix, sterilized scissors or pruners, and a stake for support.
2. Carefully remove the orchid from its old pot. You may need to gently squeeze the pot or use a knife around the edge.
3. Tease apart the old potting mix from the roots. Rinsing them with lukewarm water can help.
4. Trim away any dead or rotten roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or greenish.
5. Place the plant in the new pot, positioning it so the base of the newest growths is about an inch below the pot’s rim.
6. Fill in around the roots with the new mix, gently tapping the pot to settle it. Don’t pack it to tightly.
7. Stake the plant for stability and water it thoroughly.
Encouraging Spectacular Reblooms
After the last flower fades, don’t throw your plant away. With proper care, it will bloom again next season. First, cut the old flower spike near the base. Then, focus on building the plant’s strength.
Move it outdoors for the summer if you can. A shaded patio where it gets dappled light is ideal. The natural temperature fluctuations and good air circulation will work wonders. Remember to bring it back inside before the first frost in fall, and provide that crucial cool night period we discussed earlier. This seasonal routine is the best way to guarantee flowers.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even the best gardeners encounter issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
* No Flowers: This is almost always due to insufficient light or lack of a cool nighttime period in autumn.
* Brown Leaf Tips: Usually caused by low humidity, over-fertilizing, or salt buildup from tap water. Try using rainwater or distilled water occasionally.
* Yellowing Leaves: Could be natural shedding of old leaves, or a sign of overwatering. Check the roots.
* Pests: Look out for scale, mealybugs, or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use an insecticidal soap.
FAQ About Cymbidium Orchids
How long do cymbidium orchid blooms last?
Each flower spike can remain in beautiful bloom for up to two to three months, making them one of the longest-lasting orchid displays you can grow.
Can I put my cymbidium outside?
Absolutely! In fact, summering them outdoors in a shady spot is highly recommended. It provides the ideal conditions for them to grow strong before their blooming cycle.
Why are the buds on my orchid turning yellow and falling off?
This is called “bud blast.” It’s often caused by a sudden change in environment, like moving the plant, a draft, or significant shift in temperature or watering routine.
How often should I water my cymbidium?
Water deeply when the top inch of potting mix feels dry. Frequency depends on your home’s heat and humidity, so always check the soil first rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
What do I do after the flowers die?
Cut the spent flower spike at the base. Continue to care for the leaves and roots, as it is now growing phase. Provide plenty of light and regular fertilizer to help it store energy for next year’s bloom.
With their tall, graceful sprays of color, cymbidiums bring a touch of sophisticated beauty to any space. Their forgiving nature and incredible flower longevity make them a truly rewarding plant to care for. By providing the right light, a seasonal temperature drop, and consistent care, you’ll be able to enjoy the elegant and long-lasting display of your cymbidium orchid for many seasons to come. Remember, patience is key, especially when waiting for those first spikes to emerge.