How to grow Cymbidium orchids? Latest care methods explained

Cymbidium orchids are also known as Kimberley orchids, cicada orchids, Simbidium orchids, etc. They are a collective term for varieties in the Cymbidium genus that have been developed through artificial hybridization, with brilliant colors and large flowers. At present, there are nearly 20,000 cultivated varieties, and they are very popular in domestic and international markets, becoming a vast variety group among orchids. Let us take a look below at how to grow Cymbidium orchids!

Cymbidium orchid propagation methods

Cymbidium orchids are often propagated by division. The division time is mostly after the plant blooms and before the new shoots have grown large, during this short dormant period. Before division, the plant should be properly dried, and the operation should be carried out when the roots are slightly whitish and soft. Vigorous plants are usually divided once every 2 to 3 years, and each divided clump of orchid seedlings should carry 2 to 3 pseudobulbs, of which 1 must have been newly formed in the previous year.

How to grow Cymbidium orchids?

1. Soil: Cymbidium orchids require a loose, breathable, and well-drained growing medium. Leaf mold can be used for planting, or a mixture of moss, charcoal crumbs, fern roots, charcoal, bark chunks, crushed bricks, etc. Ordinary potting soil and the potting soil used for growing Chinese orchids are not suitable. Soil with poor aeration and drainage will cause root rot.

2. Watering: Cymbidium orchids prefer relatively high air humidity. In spring, summer, and autumn, while giving the roots sufficient water, the leaves should also be sprayed frequently. However, after blooming in early spring, during the short dormant period of Cymbidium orchids, watering must be reduced, and more watering can only be done when the new shoots have grown larger new roots.

3. Sunlight: Cymbidium orchids need sufficient scattered light for growth. In summer and autumn, a shade net should be used to provide about 50% shade. On cloudy days or in winter and spring when the sunlight is soft, the shade net should be opened to receive direct light. However, during the flowering period, the orchid plant should be placed in a location with weaker light so that its flowers bloom brightly.

4. Temperature: They prefer a warm winter and a cool summer climate, with an optimum growth temperature of 10°C to 25°C. The nighttime temperature is best around 10°C. Especially during the flowering period, maintaining the temperature above 5°C and below 15°C can extend the flowering period by more than 3 months.

5. Fertilizing: During the growth period, fertilizer should be applied lightly and frequently. Diluted chemical fertilizer or compound fertilizer can be used as a top dressing. If more bone meal and decomposed soybean cake fertilizer are applied, the flowers can be made larger and more numerous. Liquid fertilizer should be diluted at 1:1000 and applied once every 10 days. Before flowering, sufficient fertilizer should be applied, and no fertilizer should be applied during the flowering period and the hottest summer season.

6. Pests: If the growing environment is poor, Cymbidium orchids are prone to pest and disease damage. Common diseases include Fusarium disease, black rot, soft rot, anthracnose, gray mold, southern blight, etc. Therefore, a fungicide should be sprayed once every half month to prevent diseases, and special attention must also be paid to the cleaning of environmental sanitation, water sources, planting materials, and tools.

7. Pruning: The pseudobulbs of Cymbidium orchids generally contain more than 4 leaf buds. In order not to disperse nutrients, the newly grown small buds and their growing points must be thoroughly removed. This operation should begin after the flowering period ends, with buds removed once a month, and stop before the new flowering period, so that nutrients can be concentrated, the mother pseudobulb can be strengthened, and the flowers can bloom larger and more numerous.

Yellow leaves and scorched edges of Cymbidium orchids

1. Improper watering: Although Cymbidium orchids like moisture, because their potting medium has strong moisture retention and they have fleshy root systems, they are relatively tolerant of mild drought. Therefore, it is recommended not to water too much or too frequently. Clean water close to room temperature is sufficient for watering. Do not apply fertilizer water during the flowering period. Wait until the flowering period is over before applying fertilizer, otherwise the flowering period will be shortened, and improper fertilizer use can also cause fertilizer damage. The interval between waterings can be controlled according to room temperature conditions. When watering, pour slowly and gently, and do not dump it hastily.

2. Improper transplanting: The Cymbidium orchids and other New Year flowers currently sold on the market are all repotted into relatively beautiful and elegant porcelain pots. However, during the repotting process, because the flower pot is somewhat larger, some merchants add some flower soil to the pot, but some of the flower soil has not been decomposed. After being repotted and sold, when the organic matter ferments and releases heat, it causes damage to the flowers. The root system is scorched, root rot occurs, and the plant develops yellow leaves or dies. It is recommended to carefully inspect the flower potting soil to ensure the flowers grow vigorously.

3. Cold air damage: Although Cymbidium orchids are relatively cold-tolerant, they cannot withstand relatively low temperatures. On the way home after purchase, they may be exposed to cold air, causing damage to leaves or flowers. It does not show at the time, and only after a few days do the symptoms slowly appear. For this type of affected flower, only the yellowed leaves can be cut off and it can be slowly conditioned, but it generally will not be fatal.

4. Unfavorable microclimate: Cymbidium orchids are a type of flower that likes relatively high air humidity. If the indoor air humidity is relatively low and the temperature is also relatively high, yellow leaves and scorched edges are very likely to occur. Water can be sprayed several more times a day to increase the humidity of the microclimate. In addition, if there is direct blowing from an air conditioner or proximity to heating, which easily creates a dry microclimate, scorched edges and yellow leaves are also very likely to occur. When this phenomenon appears, it can be addressed simply by making adjustments. But leaves that have already turned yellow can only be cut off.

5. Poor light: Cymbidium orchids like light but are afraid of direct strong light. Generally, scattered light is best. Too weak light will also cause poor growth and some symptoms. Generally, when appreciating them indoors, the placement position of the flower is determined by the indoor location, but at this time attention should also be paid to whether the flower adapts to the microclimate of this position.