Introduction to the Cymbidium ensifolium 'Yandangsu' Variety and Key Cultivation Points

It originated in Yandang Mountain, Yueqing, and has a cultivation history of more than 600 years. It was originally named Yandang Suxin Lan, commonly known as Yandangsu, and belongs to the autumn orchids. According to relevant historical records, Yandangsu has a deep connection with Zhang Lun, a famous minister during the reign of Emperor Yingzong of Ming. Zhang Lun was an upright official and repeatedly impeached eunuchs and flattering ministers. He did not receive promotion for 20 years in office and resigned in the twelfth year of Chenghua. After returning to his hometown in Yueqing, Zhang Lun often admired plum blossoms and appreciated orchids with old friends, and moved orchids from the mountain to his home to cultivate carefully. Whenever friends visited, Zhang Lun gave orchids in return. People of the time admired Zhang Lun's character and the elegance of this orchid, and all considered it an honor to receive one as a gift. Over time, orchid cultivation became a custom in the area from Nancun to Dajing. Later generations, because Zhang Lun was also called Zhang Dajing, called this orchid "Dajingsu." After the Qing dynasty, Zhang Lun's clan declined, and "Dajingsu" spread among the common people. More than 100 years ago, orchid enthusiasts in Dajing, through selection and breeding, developed this variety with emerald green leaves, elegant and slender form, a graceful and unrestrained leaf posture, blooming from the eighth month to the eleventh month of autumn, with flowers alternating yellow and white, a color as clear as jade, pure and elegant, and a striking fragrance. As soon as it reached the market, orchid enthusiasts in Yueqing competed to buy it and cultivated it in large quantities. Because it was collected from Yandang Mountain, orchid enthusiasts unanimously named it Yandangsu. In recent years, this flower has become very widespread among the people in the Wenzhou and Taizhou areas. Because it is planted most abundantly in Dajing Town, Yueqing City, Wenzhou (which is also where Yandang Mountain is located), it is also called Dajingsu.

The flower stalk of this flower is slender and extends above the leaves; the flowers are large and do not lose shape after being open for a long time, the lip is large and does not curl, the fragrance is quiet, it sprouts easily, flowers easily, and is not easily affected by disease. The leaves are long and tall, lush and verdant, handsome and graceful.