What kind of growing environment suits cymbidium and Chinese orchid?

How can we cultivate fine, healthy orchid plants? This is a concern for many people, no doubt; but exactly what kind of environment should orchid plants be in to be both beautiful and healthy? Whenever I talk with some orchid-world elders aboutgrowing orchids, it seems I always hear a great pile of maxims, but to the listener they do not seem very helpful. In fact, these maxims are universally applicable, and they are all perfectly true. The reason you feel they are of no benefit is that you have never put them into practice yourself and gained experience from them. An old saying handed down from ancient times: "When people are happy, orchids are happy." This saying expresses the propercultivation environment most aptly. The meaning of this saying is that an environment in which a person feels comfortable is one in which cymbidium and Chinese orchid can also feel happy and comfortable. However, this saying is not an absolute rule. Because, just as "when a person drinks water, only he knows whether it is warm or cold," living things differ in how comfortable they feel in an environment; whether cymbidium and Chinese orchid or people, each has a different liking for the surrounding temperature. Some people like high temperatures, while others like the cold, and cymbidium and Chinese orchid are the same. Therefore, the environment must match the habits of the cymbidium and Chinese orchid. Besides adjusting the proper temperature according to the habits of the cymbidium and Chinese orchid, there is even more need for fresh air, sufficient moisture and ample sunlight, and so on; as long as the above points can be put in order, I believe a good environment can certainly be created. The cymbidium and Chinese orchid themselves are the darlings of deep mountains and secluded valleys; when they are moved into the noisy, bustling world, they naturally cannot enjoy their original living environment, so we must strive to create a space close to nature. As long as we match the habits of the cymbidium and Chinese orchid, we cancultivate them in various different climatic environments, and can also plant them in different places, such as glass and plastic greenhouses, glass cases, basements with good lighting, gardens, balconies, rooftop terraces and window frames, and so on. In addition, we must also classify them according to the different natures of the cymbidium and Chinese orchid, and carry out proper centralized management. Although we understand what the growing environment of the cymbidium and Chinese orchid is like, it is impossible to provide a similar environment in every case. Since the cymbidium and Chinese orchid themselves all have the ability to adapt to their environment, they can endure unfavorable environments to a great extent. Therefore, for most cymbidium and Chinese orchid, they can also grow smoothly andflower in ordinary environments. So there is no need to protect them too carefully; otherwise, too much love will instead prevent them from growing healthily. (Zhang Fengrong)