How to Grow Cymbidium longifolium? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Cymbidium longifolium is an epiphytic plant of the genus Cymbidium in the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It grows on trees in forests or at forest edges, or on rocks, at an elevation of 1400-2800 m. In China it is distributed in southwestern Sichuan, from northwestern to southeastern Yunnan, and in Tibet (Bomi, Zayu, Medog), and it has high horticultural value. Let us take a look together at how to grow Cymbidium longifolium!

Growth Habits of Cymbidium longifolium

Cymbidium longifolium prefers shade and dislikes direct sunlight; it likes moisture and dislikes dryness. It grows best at 15°C to 30°C, grows poorly above 35°C, and severe cold below 5°C will affect its growth vigor. At this time the orchid is often in a dormant state. If the temperature is too high combined with exposure to the sun, leaf scorch or withering will appear within one or two days; if the temperature is too low and it is not moved indoors in time, frost damage will occur. A sandy loam rich in humus is suitable, and drainage must be good. Leaf mold or mountain soil with more humus should be chosen; slightly acidic loose soil or iron-containing soil is suitable, with a pH of 5.5-6.5 being preferable.

Propagation Methods of Cymbidium longifolium

1. Division: This can be done in both spring and autumn, generally once every three years. Any plant that grows vigorously with densely clustered pseudobulbs can be divided; after division, each clump must retain at least 5 pseudobulbs connected together. Before division, watering should be reduced so that the potting soil is relatively dry. When potting up after division, first cover the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot with broken tile pieces, then spread coarse gravel to occupy 1/5 to 1/4 of the pot depth, then add coarse-grained soil and a small amount of fine soil, and finally plant it in sandy loam rich in humus.

2. Sowing: For sowing, it is best to choose fruit that has not yet split open. After sterilizing the surface with 75% alcohol, take out the seeds and soak them in 10% sodium hypochlorite for 5-10 minutes. Take them out and rinse them 3 times with sterile water, then sow them in culture bottles containing medium, and place them in a dark culture room, maintaining the temperature at about 25°C. After germination, move them into the light and they can form protocorms. From sowing to transplanting takes half a year to one year.

Cultivation Methods of Cymbidium longifolium

1. Potting: Cymbidium longifolium is generally potted in spring from March to April or in autumn from October to November. A flower pot with a small opening, deep body and large bottom hole is best. Wild seedlings newly dug from the mountains need to be planted in clay pots (earthen pots), because in this way the orchid soil dries easily and has good aeration, making it easy to root. Only after 2-3 years can they be moved into purple clay pots or porcelain pots.

2. Planting: The planting method of Cymbidium longifolium differs from that of ordinary flowers. Especially for famous orchid varieties, the roots must be washed when repotting and moving pots. The method is to soak the roots in clean water and gently scrub them with an old toothbrush or writing brush. Never use too much force, as it may damage the roots. Use scissors to cut off residual leaves, yellow leaves, broken roots, and blackened, rotten roots, being careful not to damage young shoots. Then place the treated plant in a cool, ventilated place to dry. When the roots turn white, show fine wrinkles, and become soft, plant them into the pot.

3. Watering: During the peak growth period of the orchid, if water is lacking in summer, the potted orchid will grow poorly. Orchids need eight parts dry and two parts moist. Watering should follow the principle of “water when dry, stop when wet, and keep appropriately on the dry side.” Watering must be thorough, and half-way watering should not be done. The number of waterings can be determined by the potting medium of the orchid.

4. Fertilizing: Farmyard manure is a very good organic fertilizer, but it must be piled and fully decomposed for more than one year before use. This fertilizer liquid can be diluted with water 10-20 times and applied, trying to apply it along the edge of the pot without touching the roots or the orchid leaves. When applying chemical fertilizers, pay attention to the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and strictly control the concentration. For variegated-leaf seedlings, the synthesis of chlorophyll should be controlled, so nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied, nor should fertilizers containing manganese and magnesium (such as calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, etc.) be applied.

5. Pruning: When Cymbidium longifolium sprouts, prune the plant once, cutting off overly long, overly dense branches and some old branches; many new branches will sprout from the nodes, making the plant shape fuller. Because Qianye Cao grows relatively fast, shaping should be done frequently during cultivation, and branches that affect the plant shape should be cut off in time to maintain an attractive appearance.

Pest and Disease Control of Cymbidium longifolium

1. Southern blight: Southern blight mostly occurs in the rainy season. At the initial stage, the leaf base is covered with white mycelium, causing the rhizome to rot. The control method is to remove the infected potting soil and sprinkle on pentachloronitrobenzene powder or lime. The fundamental cure is to ensure ventilation and light transmission and good drainage of the potting soil. Severely diseased plants should be burned.

2. Anthracnose: Lesions first extend from the leaf tip toward the rhizome. They are initially brown, then gradually expand and increase, with many dry black spots appearing, and in severe cases cause the whole plant to die. In addition to actively improving environmental conditions, during the disease period, 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 800-1500 times dilution can first be sprayed for treatment, once every 7-10 days, and then supplemented with 1% equal-amount Bordeaux mixture, once every half month, sprayed continuously 3-5 times.

3. Scale insects: Scale insects, commonly known as “orchid lice,” reproduce fastest under conditions of high temperature, high humidity and poor air circulation. During the hatching period, 1% omethoate or 1500 times dilution of 50% malathion sulfur can be sprayed for treatment. If there are not many pots, they can also be brushed off manually.