Biyu is a name shared by several orchid varieties among Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium goeringii
In gardening contexts, Biyu is sometimes also used to refer to the foliage plant Peperomia tetraphylla, but for orchid growers, Biyu is more often a collective name for a group of orchid varieties. These varieties include both Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium goeringii, and the name is taken from the warm, lustrous purity of fine jade, expressing people's appreciation of the flower's quality and character.
As for specific varieties, the Cymbidium ensifolium line includes Xiaojia Biyu, Biyu Shuixian, Biyu Hexian, Biyu Mei and others, while the Cymbidium goeringii line includes Biyu (Qiongmei), Biyu Yuanhe and others. The words Shuixian, Mei, He and so on in the names usually correspond to the petal-type classifications in Chinese orchid appreciation, such as the traditional flower forms of plum petal, lotus petal and narcissus petal, each with its own points to admire.
In terms of habit, Cymbidium ensifolium is commonly known as the four-season orchid and mostly blooms in summer and autumn, often bearing several flowers on one stem, with a clear, quiet fragrance; Cymbidium goeringii sends up its buds in early spring, usually with one flower per stem and a dignified flower shape. Although the two groups of Biyu varieties bloom at different times, both embody the aesthetic tradition of Chinese orchids, in which elegance is prized, and both are good for viewing the flowers and enjoying the fragrance.
For cultivation, the Biyu series is similar in habit to ordinary Chinese orchids, preferring loose, airy, well-drained potting medium and bright indirect light, and should be watered by the principle of letting the medium dry before watering again. Pay attention to ventilation at ordinary times, provide appropriate shade in summer, and reduce watering in winter. When buying, first distinguish whether it is Cymbidium ensifolium or Cymbidium goeringii, then compare the petal type and blooming-period characteristics, and try to obtain plants through proper nurseries or reliable channels to avoid confusion caused by the same name covering different plants.
