Green Cloud is a traditional famous variety of the lotus-petal type of Cymbidium goeringii (spring orchid), and its characteristics and care are worth knowing

Green Cloud is a traditional famous variety of Cymbidium goeringii. It is said to have first been discovered in the Hangzhou area of Zhejiang, and in orchid circles it is generally regarded as a representative variety among lotus-petal flowers. Like old varieties such as Song Mei and Long Zi, it has long been treasured and cultivated by orchid enthusiasts. Because of its distinctive flower shape and limited numbers, Green Cloud always attracts much attention at orchid shows and orchid-grower exchange events.

In appearance, the leaves of Green Cloud are short, broad and thick, with a rather low-growing leaf posture, and the new shoots often carry a faint red flush. The flower is a typical lotus-petal form, with the three outer petals short and round and narrowing at the base, the inner petals round and neatly closed together, the lip short and round, and the flower color a glossy, lustrous green. Its most famous trait is that when it blooms it readily produces strange variations with extra petals and extra lips; sometimes the number of petals increases markedly, forming a shape like a small chrysanthemum, with very strong ornamental appeal.

As for care, Green Cloud grows rather slowly and has a low rate of producing new shoots, and it is generally acknowledged to be relatively difficult to grow. The growing medium must be loose, airy, clean and free of contamination; treating it a second time before potting can reduce the risk of root rot. Watering should follow the principle of letting the medium dry out and then watering thoroughly; it is better to err on the dry side than to overwater. Keep good ventilation and soft light in daily care, provide shade in summer, and appropriate low temperatures in winter are beneficial for flowering the following year.

In terms of value, Green Cloud has both ornamental and collecting significance, and is a target variety for many orchid growers advancing to the next level of cultivation. Because it propagates slowly and its numbers are limited, plant prices on the market fluctuate considerably with the market; when buying, choose reliable channels and carefully check the leaf shape and flower quality to avoid buying inferior plants passed off as good ones.