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Growing Cymbidium Orchids

Light
Cymbidiums need bright light with light shade during the middle of the day during their active growth period and to initiate blooming. In cool areas, full sun is tolerated.

Temperatures
During the summer, large-flowered cymbidiums are usually grown outside in semi-shade, where day temperatures should be 75-85°F (24-29°C), but night temperatures in the late summer to autumn must be 50-60°F (10-15°C) to initiate flower spikes. Ideal temperatures in winter are 45-55°F (7-12°C) at night and 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day. When plants are in bud, temperatures must be as constant as possible, between 55-75°F (12-24°C).
Miniature cymbidiums are more heat tolerant and will flower at warmer temperatures. They can stand temperatures 5-10 degrees higher than the large-flowered cymbidiums and still flower. 

Water
Cymbidiums require a constant supply of water in spring and summer when they are producing their vegetative growth. Water heavily during the growth season, keeping the potting material evenly moist. Reduce the amount of water as fall approaches, and keep barely moist in winter.

Humidity
Maintain adequate humidity (40-60%), especially during the winter if the plant is in bud. In the home, placing the plant in a tray of damp pebbles is ideal.

Fertilization
During the growing season, feed with a high-nitrogen orchid fertilizer every week to two weeks. In late summer, use a high-phosphorus, blossom-booster fertilizer to help form bloom spikes. When not in active growth, feed once a month.

Potting
Repotting is usually done in the spring after flowering, every two years or when the potting medium decomposes. Choose a water-retentive potting mix. Medium-grade fir bark with peat moss and perlite is a common mix. Select a pot that will allow for at least 2-3 years of pseudobulb growth before crowding the pot. Keep shaded and warm until new growth sprouts.

Propagation
Divide plants at re-potting if they have become over-large, or if some of the pseudobulbs have died. Make sure you have at least three pseudobulbs in each division.

Pests and diseases 
Cymbidiums are generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs.

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Tips for reblooming

• Make sure that your Cymbidium is receiving at least 12 hours of filtered sunlight or UV rays daily, especially during spring, summer and fall months. If the leaves are bright green or too dark, your plant is not getting enough light for blooming. Leaves should be a medium to golden green in color, not dark green.
• Moderate and regular watering, adequate fertilization are important in triggering your cymbidium orchids to bloom.
• Cymbidiums need a day-night temperature difference of at least 25°F (15°C) to bloom well. If you are growing your cymbidium outside, make sure you regularly remove all fallen leaves and debris that accumulate on the orchid and in the pot. This will avoid them to decompose and cover your emerging flower spikes and rot them out.