How to Grow Cymbidium: A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Conditions
Although Cymbidium has no fragrance at all, it is not neglected for that reason; after all, its color-changing flowers are still popular. The flower colors of Cymbidium are arguably the most beautiful and varied in the Cymbidium genus, including yellow, white, red, light green, pink, peach, and more, making it an orchid plant with extremely high ornamental value.
Temperature Cymbidium is more tolerant of low temperatures than other tropical orchids. On winter nights, mature Cymbidium plants are best kept in an environment above 10°C, while daytime temperatures in summer must not exceed 29.5°C. Once the heat becomes oppressive, it is best to use ventilation, temperature control, and shading to keep it effectively in check.
During flower bud differentiation, that is, the summer and autumn rainy seasons, there must be a marked difference between day and night temperatures for flower bud differentiation to occur. Once the flower buds have opened, the nighttime temperature must not exceed 14°C, otherwise the flower buds are prone to withering prematurely.
Sunlight From late spring to early autumn, a shade net should be added, not only to slightly block the scorching sunlight, but also to help lower the temperature and retain moisture. A 30% shade net is ideal. Apart from this, no shading is needed in other seasons, though direct midday sunlight and afternoon sunlight should still be avoided; an east-facing balcony or window is most suitable.
Watering Summer daytime temperatures in Taiwan, China often exceed the maximum growing temperature for Cymbidium. Therefore, when the temperature exceeds 29.5°C, in addition to watering thoroughly after the potting soil surface dries, until water flows out from the bottom of the pot, you can also sprinkle water around the orchid pot to lower the temperature. Unless the air is very dry, there is no need to mist. In addition, water should be reduced during the flowering period, otherwise brown spots will appear on the flowers.
Ventilation A well-ventilated environment is one of the essential growing conditions for orchids; in addition, ventilation can also lower high temperatures. When the winter temperature is 15.5°C, and when temperatures in other seasons are above 18.5°C, a fan or ventilation fan should be turned on to keep the air circulating.