Introduction to the variety characteristics of the Cymbidium sinense 'Furong Dian'

In 1939, a Daming-series New Year orchid (Cymbidium sinense) bred and named in Japan. Its predecessor is Jinhua Shan.

Plant characteristics: tall plant type, slanted upright leaves, relatively broad leaf blades, around 3-3.5 cm. The leaf texture is relatively thick, and the leaf tips are bluntly pointed and twisted, which is one of the characteristics of the Daming-series New Year orchid. The leaf variegation is claw-and-stripe variegation. The claw variegation portion is a pale yellow claw, and sometimes deep claws and marginal variegation also appear; the stripe variegation portion is a yellow bar stripe, with thin stripe lines rarely seen. Sometimes, for certain reasons, indistinct thin yellow stripe lines appear on the leaves, but the claw variegation portion is very obvious, with distinct hanging-line variegation. The variegation pattern of Furong Dian is relatively bold and rugged, which matches its tall plant type.

The flowers do not differ much from those of Jinhua Shan, which also proves the genetic relationship between this variety and Jinhua Shan.

Regarding the differences between Furong Dian and other varieties: 1> Compared with Jinfeng Jin. Jinfeng Jin is easily confused with Furong Dian. The differences lie in: Jinfeng Jin is a hanging-line variegation with cloud-well lines; first, it has many hanging lines, and second, it has cloud-well lines; sometimes Jinfeng Jin also has a small amount of stripe lines, but the stripe lines are thin. It is different from the bar stripe of Furong Dian. 2> Compared with He Zhi Hua and Tai Yang. These two are easy to distinguish: He Zhi Hua has crane variegation, Tai Yang has a large amount of hanging lines, and the leaf shape is also different.

Regarding the evolution of Furong Dian: so far, no information shows that Furong Dian has evolved into a higher-grade variegation. However, Furong Dian has been found to have a later-developing variegation variety, which has relatively high ornamental value.

Regarding the cultivation of Furong Dian: based on my own cultivation experience, this variety is not tolerant of light, and especially the claw variegation portion is easily scorched, so attention should be paid during care.

Regarding the selection and purchase of Furong Dian: the price mainly depends on the quality of the seedlings. Orchid enthusiasts with perseverance might also try buying a certain amount of Jinhua Shan at a low price and cultivating it over the long term; perhaps it can evolve into Furong Dian.

Overall, Furong Dian is still a variety worth introducing. Its variegation is not high-grade, but its ornamental value is not inferior to some high-grade variegation varieties, and because there is not much circulation on the market, its price is relatively stable.