Cymbidium madidum
arrowroot orchid
eastern Australia (Queensland and New South Wales)
Overview
Cymbidium madidum is an evergreen epiphytic orchid in the family Orchidaceae, native to eastern Australia. It forms large clumps of crowded pseudobulbs, each topped with several strap-shaped leaves 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) long that arch outward. In spring it sends out arching to pendulous flower spikes 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long, each carrying twenty to seventy small flowers about 1 inch (25 mm) across. The flowers range from green to greenish-brown with a darker lip and have a light fragrance. The orchid grows on tree trunks, in the leaf litter of bird's nest ferns, and on rocks in subtropical and tropical rainforest in Queensland and New South Wales. It draws moisture and nutrients from rain, debris, and humid air rather than from soil. It needs warmth, humidity, and bright filtered light, and it is damaged by frost and prolonged cold. Large clumps are heavy and need a firm mount or sturdy container. Flowering can be reduced in deep shade or where humidity is low.
Native Range
Cymbidium madidum is native to eastern Australia, from Cape York in Queensland south into New South Wales. It grows as an epiphyte and lithophyte in subtropical and tropical rainforest, often in the debris of bird's nest and staghorn ferns and on tree trunks and rocks.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen orchid on bark mounts, in hanging baskets, and in large containers in frost-free gardens and shade houses. Mounted on rainforest trees in subtropical and tropical gardens. Displayed where the long flower sprays can hang freely in spring.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, roughly September to November in the native range. The arching to pendulous spikes carry many small green to greenish-brown flowers with a light fragrance. Each spike can hold twenty to seventy flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to greenish-brownFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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 Cymbidium madidum in bright filtered light on a bark mount or in a coarse, free-draining orchid mix in a container. It needs warmth, high humidity, and steady moisture through the warmer months, with slightly less water in winter. As an epiphyte it draws nutrients from rain and debris and takes only weak, occasional feeding. It is damaged by frost and prolonged cold and suits frost-free, subtropical to tropical conditions. Good air movement around the roots reduces rot. Large clumps need a firm mount or sturdy pot to carry their weight.Pruning
Cymbidium madidum needs no routine pruning. Spent flower spikes are cut off at the base once flowering finishes. Old leafless pseudobulbs can be removed when clumps are divided.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons