Cymbidium spp.
boat orchids
Tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia
Overview
Cymbidium spp. is a genus of about 55 species of orchids in the family Orchidaceae, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and northern Australia. Most are epiphytic or lithophytic, though some grow terrestrially. Plants form clumps of egg-shaped pseudobulbs, each topped by several long, strap-shaped leaves 12-36 in (30-90 cm) long that arch outward. From the base of the pseudobulbs rise flower spikes, erect or arching, 12-48 in (30-120 cm) long, each carrying many waxy, long-lasting blooms 1.5-5 in (4-13 cm) across. Flower colour spans green, yellow, bronze, pink, red, white, and brown, usually with a contrasting patterned lip. The genus is divided into large-flowered standard types and compact miniatures. Many species and hybrids need a marked drop in autumn night temperature to set flower buds, and bloom is sparse without that cool period. Cymbidium spp. grows actively in warm months and rests in winter; it is sensitive to hard frost, soggy roots, and deep shade. Flowers last six to ten weeks on the plant and are widely used as cut flowers and corsages.
Native Range
Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, from the Himalayas and southern China through India, Southeast Asia, and the Malay Archipelago to Japan and northern Australia. Species occur from warm lowland forest to cool montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown as flowering houseplants, greenhouse and conservatory specimens, and patio plants in mild climates, with miniatures suited to windowsills and standards to larger containers. The long-lasting spikes are widely used as cut flowers and in corsages.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Most standard types flower from late autumn through spring, generally October to April, while some miniatures bloom at other seasons. Spikes develop over several months after the cool autumn nights that trigger bud set. Each spike holds its flowers for six to ten weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green, yellow, pink, red, white, or brownFoliage Description
Green, strap-shapedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in bright, indirect light in a free-draining bark-based orchid mix, with some direct morning sun to support flowering. Water and feed regularly through the warm growing season, then reduce water in winter while keeping the roots from drying fully. Cool autumn nights of 50-55 F (10-13 C), well below daytime temperatures, are needed to set buds on most types. In summer, plants are often moved to a shaded outdoor spot after frost has passed and returned indoors before hard freezes. Repot every two to three years after flowering, dividing crowded clumps. Plants are hardy outdoors only in USDA zones 9-10.Pruning
Cut spent flower spikes near the base once all blooms fade. Remove dead leaves and shrivelled old back-bulbs when repotting. Divide large clumps into groups of three or more pseudobulbs to maintain flowering.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons