Detailed Guide to the Cultivation and Care of Cymbidium goeringii

    I. Habits and Distribution 

    Cymbidium goeringiiCommonly known as cao lan or shan lan, it has fleshy roots and bulbous pseudobulbs, with leaves growing in clumps that are stiff and tough, about 20-25 cm long, narrow and pointed, with rough edges. Around the spring equinox, flower stems emerge from the base of the plant; the flower stems bear white membranous bracts, with a single flower borne at the tip. There are many precious cultivars with a rich fragrance. 

    Cymbidium goeringii is a common original species of terrestrial orchids, mostly found in temperate zones, mainly distributed in China, and is a specialty of China. It is most abundant in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Anhui, Jiangxi, Gansu, Taiwan, China and other places.Orchidsare one of China's famous flowers, with a long history ofcultivation, mostly grown in pots as indoor ornamentals. When in bloom they have a particularly elegant fragrance and can flower throughout the year, making them an excellent choice for indoor arrangements. Their roots, leaves and flowers can all be used as medicine. 

    II. Planting Techniques 

    1. Choosing Pots and Soil 

    Cymbidium goeringii should be planted in late autumn. Before planting, it is best to use a new clay pot that has been soaked in clean water for several hours; if using a purple clay pot or plastic pot, attention must be paid to drainage. The size of the pot should be such that the roots can spread out inside it. Orchid mud is the most ideal growing medium, or use a mixture of half leaf mold (or humus) and half sandy loam, mixed evenly. Never use alkaline soil.

    2. Potting 

    First place tiles over the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot (preferably 3 drainage holes), then add crushed stones, cinders and similar materials to about 1/5 of the pot, spread a layer of coarse sand on top, and then add the growing medium. Best to place the orchid seedling in the pot, straighten the roots and let them spread naturally; when half the soil has been added, gently lift the seedling while shaking the pot so that the roots and soil are tightly combined, then continue filling with soil up to the rim and press firmly. Leave about 3 cm of space below the rim for fertilizing and watering. 

    3. Shading 

    After potting, water thoroughly and place in a shaded spot. In early spring and winter, keep indoors; the rest of the time, place under a shade frame. In summer, shade from 8 am to 6 pm; in summer the shade level for Cymbidium goeringii should reach about 90%. In spring and autumn, about 70%-80% is sufficient. 

    4. Watering 

    Orchid leaves have a relatively thick cuticle and sunken stomata, making them fairly drought-tolerant, so they do not need much water; it is best to keep the orchid soil "seven parts dry, three parts moist" at all times. Generally, water once every 2-3 days in spring; after flowering, keep the potting soil slightly dry; after April, keep the potting soil slightly moist; in summer, when temperatures are high, water once a day; in autumn, water when dry; in winter, water sparingly. During the bud stage of Cymbidium goeringii, keep it moist, but not overly wet. In dry and hot seasons, spray the ground around the pot in the evening to increase air humidity.

    5. Fertilizing 

    Orchids dislike strong fertilizer. Newly planted orchids should not be fertilized in the first year; only after 1-2 years of cultivation, when new roots are growing vigorously, may fertilizer be applied. Generally, from April until the start of autumn, apply once every 15-20 days a fully decomposed, dilute cake fertilizer solution. In the intense heat of midsummer, stop fertilizing. The best time to fertilize is in the evening. When fertilizing, avoid getting the liquid fertilizer on the leaves.

    6. Bud Thinning 

    After buds appear, it is best to keep one flower bud that is the most well-developed and has the best ornamental value, and remove all the rest, so that the flower will be large and beautifully colored. About 10-14 days after Cymbidium goeringii blooms, the flower can be cut off together with the flower stem; do not wait until the flower naturally withers and falls before cutting, so as to reduce nutrient consumption and benefit flowering the following year.