When Does the Jianlan 'Xiao Guohun' Orchid Bloom? A Detailed Guide to Care Techniques

Cymbidium ensifolium 'Xiao Guohun' is also called 'Yihong Shuangjiao'. Because its flowers closely resemble those of 'Guohun', it is also known as 'Xiao Guohun'. It is a relatively classic colored-flower variety among Cymbidium ensifolium orchids. Its flowering period is 5-11 months, and it blooms very freely, flowering 2-4 times a year. Its fragrance is rich and long-lasting, refreshing to the heart and able to lift one's mood; if Cymbidium ensifolium is cared for properly, it will bloom all year round, with high color purity when the flowers open, but the color will not exceed half of the petals, making it a bicolor flower. The flowers are well formed and upright, with red in the blossoms and vivid color; the lower the temperature,, the redder the color, and the better the overall ornamental effect. At the same time, the flower quantity is also large, often with multiple scapes emerging at once,-many flowers per scape, and the potted display is very impressive, looking very spectacular. It is very easy to grow and a must-have variety for beginners.

The main production areas of Cymbidium ensifolium are in many parts of Asia, including southern China, northern India, Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, and the Philippines. It lives in open woodlands at an altitude of 600-1800M ASL, often growing together with other grasses and trees on mountain slopes and valley walls. Because of its growth latitude and altitude, Cymbidium ensifolium's native environment is relatively mild, with no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer. It mostly grows under the shade of trees in mountain forests, so the air humidity is high and air circulation is good. Its growing medium is the leaf mold under the trees, which drains well, retains moisture, and is rich in nutrients.

The suitable growing temperature for Cymbidium ensifolium is 25-30°C, and the tolerated temperature should not be lower than 5 °C or higher than 35°C; humidity is generally 60%-80%; light needs to be 8000-10000Lux  to be equivalent sunlight; for outdoor growing, shade 60%-70%; for watering, PH5.3-6.5 is recommended.As for the growing medium, the classic three ingredients for Chinese orchids are recommended: kiryu stone, pine bark, and volcanic stone. Based on what is available locally in Toronto, you can refer to pine bark 4:kiryu stone 3: expanded clay pebbles 2: perlite 1. For regular fertilizing, you can use a slow-release fertilizer 18-6-12 or similar, and during the flowering season use a foliar fertilizer 15-30-15 diluted by half to promote flowering.

Cymbidium ensifolium does not like an overly humid environment and prefers ventilation; poor ventilation can cause pests and diseases, so the orchid must be given ventilation. In summer, for example, a fan can be used to ensure air circulation. It likes light, but avoid direct sunlight and scorching exposure; grow it in a spot with suitable scattered light. With sufficient light, orchids tend to produce flower buds and bud sheaths and bloom with vivid colors. After dryness and strong light exposure, burnt tips will appear, so trim them off promptly with scissors. After flowering, promptly cut off the flower scapes to reduce nutrient consumption. Pay special attention to the fact that the season with frequent pests and diseases is summer. To prevent pests and diseases, you can add carbendazim to water and use it to drench the roots and spray the leaves. If repotting, it is generally best to choose spring when the spring shoots have just emerged, or autumn when the autumn shoots have just emerged.

Well, after all this, have you gained a lot! Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone can take good care of their beloved plants and flowers. If you have questions, let's discuss them together!