How to grow Cymbidium orchids? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

1. Substrate requirements for growing Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium orchids can use fern roots, peat, moss, bark, charcoal chunks, crushed brick pieces, etc. as growing substrate.

2. Potting and repotting methods for growing Cymbidium orchids

As a general rule, when the plant becomes too large, it should be repotted or divided and potted to promote growth and flowering. Potting or repotting is best done after flowering or in early spring when new shoots have just sprouted. Repotting method: tip the plant out of the old pot, cut off rotten roots and yellow leaves, and remove the old substrate; place a layer of broken tiles or crushed brick at the bottom of the new pot to aid drainage and aeration; place the plant into the pot, fill in fresh substrate, press down firmly with your hands, then water thoroughly.

3. Watering methods for growing Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium orchids are flowers that need a lot of water, especially in summer, when not only should the amount of water given be sufficient, but the leaves should also be misted to lower the temperature and raise humidity. The swollen pseudobulbs of Cymbidium orchids store water, so they have a certain drought tolerance. However, if watering is insufficient, the swollen pseudobulbs will shrivel and normal growth will be affected. In addition, watering should be reduced during flowering, otherwise brown spots will appear on the flowers.

4. Fertilization methods for growing Cymbidium orchids

During the vigorous growth period, a dilute liquid fertilizer should be applied about once every 10 days; during the seedling stage and in low-temperature seasons, organic fertilizer should be applied sparingly or not at all, and a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer in a ratio of 7:6:19 can be used for foliar feeding. Cymbidium orchids need a relatively large amount of fertilizer. If nutrients are insufficient, the leaves will yellow and drop, and the flowers will become smaller. Therefore, fertilization should be strengthened. In spring and summer, fertilize once every 5-7 days, in autumn once every 10-15 days, and in winter fertilization can be stopped. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a standard fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium diluted 1000 times as a top dressing; in autumn, use more potassium fertilizer, and 800-1000 times diluted monopotassium phosphate can be sprayed on the foliage.

5. Pest and disease control for growing Cymbidium orchids

The main diseases of Cymbidium orchids include leaf blight, anthracnose, soft rot, and leaf spot, which can be controlled with 50% captan 500 times solution or 50% carbendazim 500 times solution; soft rot and leaf spot can also be controlled by spraying thiophanate or chlorothalonil 500 times solution once a month. The main pests include aphids, red spider mites, scale insects, etc. Aphids can be controlled with fenitrothion and omethoate emulsifiable concentrate each at 1000 times solution, and red spider mites can be controlled with dicofol or dichlorvos 800-1000 times solution, sprayed once every 15 days.

6. Temperature requirements for growing Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium orchids prefer a warm, cool, humid, semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C; below 10°C or above 35°C they enter a dormant state, and the overwintering temperature is best kept no lower than 10°C. For most varieties, flower bud differentiation can proceed smoothly when the day-night temperature difference is below 10-15°C.

7. Precautions for growing Cymbidium orchids

(1) Compared with other orchids, Cymbidium orchids prefer more light, but cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. Small seedlings need 70%-80% shading, large seedlings 60%, 40%-50% shading is suitable in spring and autumn, 60% shading in summer, and after late autumn they should receive more light to benefit flower bud differentiation and bud formation and flowering. Cymbidium orchids need relatively high air humidity and sufficient water to grow. The suitable relative air humidity for growing small seedlings is 80%, and the water pH is best at pH 5.4-6; during the peak growing season, keep the substrate moist and frequently mist the plant and roots to maintain air humidity, which benefits growth and development; after flowering there is a dormant period, and watering should be reduced.

(2) Cymbidium orchids are the most fertilizer-loving of all orchids. The flower bud differentiation period of Cymbidium orchids is in August-September, and at this time there must be an obvious temperature difference to promote flower bud differentiation, namely around 25°C during the day and around 12-15°C at night. If the night temperature exceeds 15°C when the flower buds are sprouting, the flower buds will wither. Good ventilation is a favorable condition affecting the growth and development of Cymbidium orchids. If ventilation is poor, especially in summer, it is unfavorable to the normal growth and development of Cymbidium orchids, affects flower bud differentiation, and leads to the phenomenon of growing only leaves without flowering.

The cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium orchids are introduced here. Below, let's introduce the distribution range of Cymbidium orchids.

Cymbidium orchid cultivation methods, Cymbidium orchid cultivation precautions

Cymbidium orchids prefer a warm, cool, humid, semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C; below 10°C or above they enter a dormant state. For most varieties, flower bud differentiation can proceed smoothly when the day-night temperature difference is below 10-15°C. Below is a detailed compilation of the cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium orchids as well as care methods for all four seasons.

Cymbidium orchids can use fern roots, peat, moss, bark, charcoal chunks, crushed brick pieces, etc. as growing substrate.

As a general rule, when the plant becomes too large, it should be repotted or divided and potted to promote growth and flowering. Potting or repotting is best done after flowering or in early spring when new shoots have just sprouted. Repotting method: tip the plant out of the old pot, cut off rotten roots and yellow leaves, and remove the old substrate; place a layer of broken tiles or crushed brick at the bottom of the new pot to aid drainage and aeration; place the plant into the pot, fill in fresh substrate, press down firmly with your hands, then water thoroughly.

Cymbidium orchids are flowers that need a lot of water, especially in summer, when not only should the amount of water given be sufficient, but the leaves should also be misted to lower the temperature and raise humidity. The swollen pseudobulbs of Cymbidium orchids store water, so they have a certain drought tolerance. However, if watering is insufficient, the swollen pseudobulbs will shrivel and normal growth will be affected. In addition, watering should be reduced during flowering, otherwise brown spots will appear on the flowers.

During the vigorous growth period, a dilute liquid fertilizer should be applied about once every 10 days; during the seedling stage and in low-temperature seasons, organic fertilizer should be applied sparingly or not at all, and a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer in a ratio of 7:6:19 can be used for foliar feeding. Cymbidium orchids need a relatively large amount of fertilizer. If nutrients are insufficient, the leaves will yellow and drop, and the flowers will become smaller. Therefore, fertilization should be strengthened. In spring and summer, fertilize once every 5-7 days, in autumn once every 10-15 days, and in winter fertilization can be stopped. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a standard fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium diluted 1000 times as a top dressing; in autumn, use more potassium fertilizer, and 800-1000 times diluted monopotassium phosphate can be sprayed on the foliage.

The main diseases of Cymbidium orchids include leaf blight, anthracnose, soft rot, and leaf spot, which can be controlled with 50% captan 500 times solution or 50% carbendazim 500 times solution; soft rot and leaf spot can also be controlled by spraying thiophanate or chlorothalonil 500 times solution once a month. The main pests include aphids, red spider mites, scale insects, etc. Aphids can be controlled with fenitrothion and omethoate emulsifiable concentrate each at 1000 times solution, and red spider mites can be controlled with dicofol or dichlorvos 800-1000 times solution, sprayed once every 15 days.

Cymbidium orchids prefer a warm, cool, humid, semi-shaded environment. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C; below 10°C or above 35°C they enter a dormant state, and the overwintering temperature is best kept no lower than 10°C. For most varieties, flower bud differentiation can proceed smoothly when the day-night temperature difference is below 10-15°C.

1. Compared with other orchids, Cymbidium orchids prefer more light, but cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. Small seedlings need 70%-80% shading, large seedlings 60%, 40%-50% shading is suitable in spring and autumn, 60% shading in summer, and after late autumn they should receive more light to benefit flower bud differentiation and bud formation and flowering. Cymbidium orchids need relatively high air humidity and sufficient water to grow. The suitable relative air humidity for growing small seedlings is 80%, and the water pH is best at pH 5.4-6; during the peak growing season, keep the substrate moist and frequently mist the plant and roots to maintain air humidity, which benefits growth and development; after flowering there is a dormant period, and watering should be reduced.

2. Cymbidium orchids are the most fertilizer-loving of all orchids. The flower bud differentiation period of Cymbidium orchids is in August-September, and at this time there must be an obvious temperature difference to promote flower bud differentiation, namely around 25°C during the day and around 12-15°C at night. If the night temperature exceeds 15°C when the flower buds are sprouting, the flower buds will wither. Good ventilation is a favorable condition affecting the growth and development of Cymbidium orchids. If ventilation is poor, especially in summer, it is unfavorable to the normal growth and development of Cymbidium orchids, affects flower bud differentiation, and leads to the phenomenon of growing only leaves without flowering.

3. Transport temperature for Cymbidium orchids: keep above 5°C; if the bracts and leaves turn yellow, cold damage may have occurred.

4. Standards for imported Cymbidium orchids: For Cymbidium orchids imported from Japan and South Korea, the general requirements are a plant height of 60 to 80 cm, 15 to 20 flowers per scape, 3 to 5 flower scapes per pot, 50% to 80% bloom per scape, and a height difference between flower scapes in the same pot of no more than 5 cm.

5. Cymbidium orchid care during the flowering period: the optimal temperature during flowering is 8°C to 15°C, and they should not be placed next to a hot, dry radiator. During the flowering period, water once every 3 days; prolonged low temperatures of 2°C to 3°C will cause cold damage to the flowers, the buds will turn yellow and fail to open, and the ornamental period is 50 to 80 days.

In spring, as temperatures begin to rise, ventilation should be increased as much as possible so that plants still in bloom are kept in a cooler environment. Because temperatures fluctuate greatly in spring, do not rush to move them outdoors; this protects and promotes the growth of new shoots, and they can be moved outdoors for cultivation after there is sufficient light. Water once a day, while flowering plants need only keep the potting soil moist. Fertilize once every 10-15 days. Spring is a great time for repotting or division propagation after flowering, so it should be done promptly. To reduce nutrient consumption, flower stems should be cut off immediately after the flowers fade, otherwise the growth of new shoots will be affected.

Summer is the early stage of flower bud differentiation in Cymbidium orchids. Because high temperatures are unfavorable to flower bud differentiation, attention should be paid to cooling to promote flower bud differentiation. Keeping the temperature below 28°C in summer is beneficial to growth. Because summer sunlight is intense, 30% shading should be used to protect the leaves from sunburn. Water twice a day, and if it is hot and dry, mist the leaves. Before July, apply liquid fertilizer about once every 15 days. Adding solid compound fertilizer once a month can help the growth of new shoots, and spraying insecticide and fungicide once a month can effectively prevent and control pests and diseases.

In autumn, the temperature difference begins to increase. From October, plants should be moved indoors for cultivation to prevent low nighttime temperatures from slowing plant growth. At this time, full sunlight should be provided to increase the accumulation of nutrients. As the weather gradually turns cold in autumn, water generally once every 1-2 days, keeping the substrate as moist as possible to protect newly developing flower buds. During flower bud growth, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote plump, strong flower buds.

This period is when Cymbidium orchids begin to bloom. Be careful that the nighttime temperature does not exceed 20°C, otherwise the flower buds will drop. In winter, allow them to receive full sunlight so the plants become sturdy. In winter, water once every 3-4 days, and maintain humidity at 60%-70%. Be careful to control flower-eating snails. Fertilization should be stopped during the flowering period.

Cultivation methods and precautions for Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium orchids originated from tropical plants in India and were later introduced to southern China, where they were crossed with local Cymbidium plants to produce new varieties. This plant has brilliant colors, large flowers, and particularly good ornamental value. It can be grown in scenic areas or made into potted plants for indoor cultivation. However, many people do not understand its cultivation methods and do not know what to pay attention to when growing this plant. Today, the editor will give everyone a specific introduction.

1. Soil

Soil selection is very important when growing Cymbidium orchids. They like loose, breathable soil with good drainage. Normally, leaf mold soil can be used to grow Cymbidium orchids, or potting soil can be prepared with materials such as moss, charcoal chips, and bark pieces. Ordinary potting soil cannot be used because its aeration and drainage are relatively poor, and after planting it will cause the roots of Cymbidium orchids to rot.

2. Water

Only with reasonable watering can Cymbidium orchids grow normally. This plant likes high temperatures and high air humidity. In spring, summer, and autumn, the roots should be given sufficient water, and the leaves should be misted promptly. However, after flowering in early spring, Cymbidium orchids enter a short dormant period, during which the water supply must be reduced, and only after the new shoots have grown larger can more water be given.

3. Sunlight

Cymbidium orchids are a light-loving plant and like to grow in an environment with sufficient sunlight, but they cannot tolerate strong light exposure. It is best to place them in an environment with plenty of scattered light. However, after entering the flowering period, Cymbidium orchids should be placed in a location with weaker light, so that the flowers they produce will be more brilliant.

When growing Cymbidium orchids, be sure to prevent pests and diseases. When diseases such as leaf spot and gray mold occur, spray carbendazim promptly. After pest outbreaks, catch them promptly or spray pesticides. In addition, when growing Cymbidium orchids, attention should also be paid to pruning. Their pseudobulbs generally contain more than four leaf buds; in order not to let them consume nutrients, the small shoots that grow out must be thoroughly removed.