Cymbidium Sarah Jean gx ‘Ice Cascade’ (Boat Orchid)

Cymbidium Sarah Jean gx ‘Ice Cascade’ (Boat Orchid) is a miniature orchid hybrid boasting numerous pendant, gently arching racemes densely studded with long-lasting, slightly fragrant, white flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm). Blooming once a year between 3-10 weeks, depending on the temperature, the blossoms cascade from the occasionally spotted, evergreen foliage. Ice Cascade can be grown in a conservatory, home, or garden, as long as the outside temperature does not fall below 41°F (5°C).

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm).
• Grows in epiphytic or terrestrial orchid compost in bright but indirect light. Provide good air circulation.
• Needs a night temperature of 50°F (10°C) and a daytime temperature of 60°F (16°C).
• Water thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain, and use fertilizer at every third watering. Water sparingly in winter.
• Propagate by division of pseudobulbs after flowering, in early or mid-spring when pot-bound.
• Once the flowers have faded, remove the spent flower spikes.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs.

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 medium to golden green in color, not dark green.
• Moderate and regular watering and 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.