Cymbidium:
Species of Cymbidium are surprisingly few in number when one considers the tens of thousands of hybrids that have been raised over a period of 100 years, not mentioning the hybrids that have already been lost in the shadows of time and replaced by new ones. Of these 50 or so species widely distributed throughout Asia, it was hardly more than half a dozen from the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal that became the building blocks for the first hybrids, Those once considered to be the main species in this natural genus are Cymbidium insigne, C. lowanium, C. eburneum and C. tracyanum, all cultivated for their showy flowers. However, once hybrids started to appear, the species became less attractive to growers, who were looking for improved shape and size. The species, once so plentiful, were often disposed of in favour of the new hybrids, until they were hardly represented in collections at all. This is no surprise if we consider that in case of some new hybrids of the times the increase from a 1 inch flower was to 5 inch sometimes and bigger.
Today there is renewed interest in these and other species, which are considered rare collectors' items.
For the beginner and amateur grower who is not looking to build up a specialist collection of these species, the modern hybrids represent a much better purchase. These hybrids come in multitude of colours and sizes to suit all situations and the flowers will last for months rather than weeks.
Cymbidiums are tall-growing plants with several long, strap-like leaves and sheathed pseudo bulbs. The plants can grow to 1 m (3ft) tall or even higher. with flower spikes above the foliage on the standard varieties but shorter on the miniature types.
In my observations I have noticed that growers have some distinctive Cymbidium types, these are Large, standard, mini and ultra-miniature (or super mini) which the plants will most of the cases have the description with them.
Depending on the sizing where Large and standard are preferably to be grown in a conservatory or a cold greenhouse and the mini and ultra-miniature can be grown on the windowsill.
Cymbidiums need regular re-potting to prevent them becoming overburdened with leafless pseudo-bulbs. These are the older, back bulbs that have shed their leaves but remain alive for a few more years, supporting the main plant. When there are more out of leaf then in leaf, the older back bulb will become a drain on the plant and restrict its progress.
Furthermore the more pot-bound the orchid is the more problems with re-potting you may have in the future (sometimes a bit of brute force like breaking the pot will be the only way) and if the orchid overgrown the pot long ago you will notice it by the roots trying to literally lift the plant out of the pot.
The old back bulbs should be cut off at re-potting time and can be used for propagation and growing new young plans to grow your collection.
Large plants can be divided into smaller, providing that each piece contains at least new growth and three supporting pseudo-bulbs.
The most common question asked about Cymbidiums probably will be - How can I make my orchid bloom again?
The most common of this is the lack of light, particularly when the plants are grown indoors. Placing them outside for the summer will ensure that the plants receive all the light they require and, as a result will produce a fine display of blooms in their next season.
However do not allow the plants to stand in the direct midday sun which will badly burn their leaves. Give them a shady spot of the garden where they will catch the early morning or late evening sun.
The temperatures the plants can take vary a lot, because they can take up to 30 degrees Celsius and as low as 5 degrees. Furthermore the substantial difference between the day and night will ensure good blooms.
Best grown in pots, at least of 15 cm (6 inch) in diameter, depending on the age of the plant. Younger in bloom size may come in 12 cm pots but the older the orchid gets the bigger the pot it will require. Even young seedlings require a quite big pot to fit all of their fleshy roots and grow. Best cultivated in coarse bark or orchid soil mix with perlite, but personally I prefer a Special Bark mixture just for Cymbidiums with coconut and bark which is much smaller than the usual.
Water and feed all year, but do it dependently to your zone. In my zone 8 for UK i was told to water twice a week and feed every other watering . This is a rule I am following so far and the orchids seems to be very happy (sending three flower spikes!).
When watering allow the plant to dry out partially between the watering.
Misting is good but make sure not to over do it.
Species of Cymbidium are surprisingly few in number when one considers the tens of thousands of hybrids that have been raised over a period of 100 years, not mentioning the hybrids that have already been lost in the shadows of time and replaced by new ones. Of these 50 or so species widely distributed throughout Asia, it was hardly more than half a dozen from the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal that became the building blocks for the first hybrids, Those once considered to be the main species in this natural genus are Cymbidium insigne, C. lowanium, C. eburneum and C. tracyanum, all cultivated for their showy flowers. However, once hybrids started to appear, the species became less attractive to growers, who were looking for improved shape and size. The species, once so plentiful, were often disposed of in favour of the new hybrids, until they were hardly represented in collections at all. This is no surprise if we consider that in case of some new hybrids of the times the increase from a 1 inch flower was to 5 inch sometimes and bigger.
Today there is renewed interest in these and other species, which are considered rare collectors' items.
For the beginner and amateur grower who is not looking to build up a specialist collection of these species, the modern hybrids represent a much better purchase. These hybrids come in multitude of colours and sizes to suit all situations and the flowers will last for months rather than weeks.
Cymbidiums are tall-growing plants with several long, strap-like leaves and sheathed pseudo bulbs. The plants can grow to 1 m (3ft) tall or even higher. with flower spikes above the foliage on the standard varieties but shorter on the miniature types.
In my observations I have noticed that growers have some distinctive Cymbidium types, these are Large, standard, mini and ultra-miniature (or super mini) which the plants will most of the cases have the description with them.
Depending on the sizing where Large and standard are preferably to be grown in a conservatory or a cold greenhouse and the mini and ultra-miniature can be grown on the windowsill.
Cymbidiums need regular re-potting to prevent them becoming overburdened with leafless pseudo-bulbs. These are the older, back bulbs that have shed their leaves but remain alive for a few more years, supporting the main plant. When there are more out of leaf then in leaf, the older back bulb will become a drain on the plant and restrict its progress.
Furthermore the more pot-bound the orchid is the more problems with re-potting you may have in the future (sometimes a bit of brute force like breaking the pot will be the only way) and if the orchid overgrown the pot long ago you will notice it by the roots trying to literally lift the plant out of the pot.
The old back bulbs should be cut off at re-potting time and can be used for propagation and growing new young plans to grow your collection.
Large plants can be divided into smaller, providing that each piece contains at least new growth and three supporting pseudo-bulbs.
The most common question asked about Cymbidiums probably will be - How can I make my orchid bloom again?
The most common of this is the lack of light, particularly when the plants are grown indoors. Placing them outside for the summer will ensure that the plants receive all the light they require and, as a result will produce a fine display of blooms in their next season.
However do not allow the plants to stand in the direct midday sun which will badly burn their leaves. Give them a shady spot of the garden where they will catch the early morning or late evening sun.
The temperatures the plants can take vary a lot, because they can take up to 30 degrees Celsius and as low as 5 degrees. Furthermore the substantial difference between the day and night will ensure good blooms.
Best grown in pots, at least of 15 cm (6 inch) in diameter, depending on the age of the plant. Younger in bloom size may come in 12 cm pots but the older the orchid gets the bigger the pot it will require. Even young seedlings require a quite big pot to fit all of their fleshy roots and grow. Best cultivated in coarse bark or orchid soil mix with perlite, but personally I prefer a Special Bark mixture just for Cymbidiums with coconut and bark which is much smaller than the usual.
Water and feed all year, but do it dependently to your zone. In my zone 8 for UK i was told to water twice a week and feed every other watering . This is a rule I am following so far and the orchids seems to be very happy (sending three flower spikes!).
When watering allow the plant to dry out partially between the watering.
Misting is good but make sure not to over do it.
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Some pictures presented in this article may not belong to me and are a property of their respectable owners.
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