Cymbidium, Genus, goeringii, Species,
- Genus & species
Spring orchid
Overview
Cymbidium goeringii is a terrestrial, evergreen orchid in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), forming dense clumps 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) tall and 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide. Pseudobulbs are small and hidden at the base of the leaves. Leaves are narrowly linear, arching, 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long and 0.25–0.5 inch (6–13 mm) wide, dark green, with finely serrated margins toward the tip. Each flower stalk is 3–8 inches (8–20 cm) tall, shorter than the leaves, and carries one fragrant flower, rarely two, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, with green to yellow-green sepals and petals and a white lip spotted red-purple. Flowers open in late winter and spring and last 2–3 weeks. Growth is slow, adding 1–2 new leaf fans per year. Plants tolerate temperatures down to 15°F (−9°C) in sheltered sites, and summer heat above 90°F (32°C) with wet roots causes root rot. The single flower per stalk limits the display compared with other Cymbidium species.
Native Range
Cymbidium goeringii is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It grows on forest floors, grassy slopes, and rocky ground near streams at elevations of 1,000–7,000 feet (300–2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded woodland gardens and containers in zones 7–9, spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart, and as a potted plant in cool rooms. The species has been cultivated in China and Japan for more than 1,000 years, with named selections for flower color and leaf form.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'8"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to yellow-green with a white, red-spotted lipFoliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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
Grows in part shade with 2–4 hours of filtered sun in a coarse, fast-draining mix of bark, perlite, and loam with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 7–9. Water is applied once every 5–7 days in the growing season, and the medium dries slightly between waterings; wet winter soil causes root rot. Fertilizer is applied at quarter strength once a month from April to August. Scale, mealybugs, and viral leaf streaking affect plants, and leaf tips brown in hot, dry air.Pruning
Pruning is limited to cutting yellowed or damaged leaves at the base and removing spent flower stalks after flowering. Leafless back-bulbs are removed when clumps become crowded, usually every 3–4 years.Pruning Schedule
Prune: April–May
late spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
