Boat Orchids
Among the oldest horticultural orchids in the world, Cymbidiums have been grown and revered in China for thousands of years. Prized for their incredibly decorative flower spikes, used especially as cut flowers or for corsages in the spring, they are among the most popular orchids in cultivation today.
Cymbidium is a genus of 50 orchid species found in nature from India to Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Australia. These orchids have been nicknamed Boat Orchids because of their lip shape.
Boat Orchids are epiphytic (growing on trees), lithophytic (growing on rocks), or terrestrial orchids with ovoid or elongate pseudobulbs, linear or strap-shaped evergreen leaves, and fleshy white roots.
These ravishing orchids usually produce long-lasting, showy flowers with a distinctive 3-lobed lip. Borne on erect or arching flower spikes from the bases of the pseudobulbs, their blossoms come in a wide variety of colors, including white, orange, pink and yellow.
As a bonus, some species and hybrids are sweetly fragrant.
Most Cymbidiums are easily grown. They are one of the least demanding indoor orchids. They can also be grown in the garden. In Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the United States, Cymbidium hybrids are grown outdoors. To flower well, Cymbidiums need a distinct difference between day and night temperatures in late summer.
Cymbidiums can be divided into 3 groups as regards cultivation.
Large-flowered cymbidiums: they are big, cool-growing cymbidiums with large flowers, about 4 to 5 in. wide (10-12 cm), usually produced in winter and early spring. Ideal for growing outside in cool and temperate climates, they require good light in summer and warm humid conditions. Night temperatures should not exceed 50-60°F (10-15°C) and can fall as low as 41°F (5°C). Day temperatures should not exceed 85°F (29°C). They also require ample water and fertilizer since summer is when the flower buds are initiated. In winter, these Boat Orchids need bright, cool and dry conditions.
Miniature tropical and sub-tropical cymbidiums: native to India, southern China, Malaysia, and Australia, these species bloom in summer and require day temperatures of about 86°F (30°C) and night temperatures of 65-68°F (18-20°C). They also require ample water and fertilizer. In winter, these Boat Orchids need good light and less water.
Miniature temperate cymbidiums: native to Japan, China, and the Himalayas, these species require cool, moist conditions. Some are hardy in sheltered, cool-temperate gardens but are better grown in a cool glasshouse.
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
| Genus | Cymbidium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Height |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
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,s and mealybugs.
Nick Pecker, Shutterstock
| Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Houseplants, Orchids |
| Genus | Cymbidium |
| Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Height |
1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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