Dafugui: A Classic Old Cultivar of Cymbidium goeringii with Lotus-Petal Flowers, Identification Features and Care Tips

Dafugui is a traditional famous cultivar of Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), known for its lotus-petal flowers and regarded by orchid growers as the representative cultivar of the lotus-petal flower type. Its outer three petals are short, round and broad, with a narrowed base and flared corners; the inner petals are round, neat and clasped together; and the lip is a large round tongue. The overall flower shape is dignified and full. The petals have a thick, glutinous texture, and the flower color is mainly green; when it blooms in spring it carries a delicate orchid fragrance.

Besides the flowers, the Dafugui plant also has obvious characteristics. The leaves are short and broad, thick in texture, dark green and glossy, and the plant form is compact and neat, so it remains quite ornamental even without flowers. A well-cared-for plant blooms easily, and sometimes even produces two flowers on a single scape, which orchid growers greatly appreciate.

It is not uncommon on the market for other lotus-petal spring orchids to be passed off as Dafugui, so when buying an old cultivar you can start from several points. First, look at the leaves: the old cultivar Dafugui has broad, thick, sturdy leaves and dark green color, and the form of new growths and mature growths is relatively stable. Second, look at the flowers: the lotus-petal features must be fully present, with an obvious narrowed base and flared corners and neatly clasped inner petals. Third, smell the fragrance: the genuine article has the distinctive fresh fragrance of a spring orchid, and those without an obvious fragrance should be treated with caution.

As for care, Dafugui likes a warm, humid, well-ventilated environment, and fears strong direct sun and water accumulating in the pot. The growing medium should be loose and breathable; water by letting it dry between waterings; give appropriate scattered light during the growing season; and after flowering, be sure to replenish nutrients to help the plant recover. In addition, in the orchid world there are also similarly named cultivars such as Fuguidie and Fugui Jinlong, which are not the same as Dafugui, so before acquiring them you should identify them carefully to avoid confusion.