Cymbidium Orchids

Cymbidiums are one of the hardiest orchids around and this contributes to their popularity. Even plants which are neglected will probably survive without water or feedings for several months, and may even produce new shoots in the springtime.

But don't neglect them! Anyone who pays even a little attention to their Cymbidium orchids will be rewarded with bright floral displays of yellows, greens, and burgundies.

Like most orchids, Cymbidium orchids bloom in the springtime. Under certain greenhouse conditions, they can be coaxed to bloom as early as November, but most gardeners will see their Cymbidium orchids bloom between January and mid-March.

Modern Cymbidium hybrids are much more colorful than traditional Cymbidiums of 20 or 30 years ago. At that time, most Cymbidiums were pastel colors and the orchids that produced unusual color and form could cost several hundred dollars. Thanks to improve cloning techniques in recent years, Cymbidium orchids now cost as little as $15 for a blooming plant.

The new hybrids also offer amazing variations in height and floral shape. Some standard varieties will not bloom until they're at least 4 feet tall, but some of the new hybrids will produce flowers when they are just one foot tall.

Some of the new hybrids and miniatures are better suited to hot weather than traditional Cymbidium orchids. There is also a great variety in scent with some of the newer varieties being richly perfumed.

Growing Cymbidium Orchids

Cymbidium orchids do well in outdoor gardens in the more southern latitudes - the midwinter coastal belt. If you live in this region, you can grow Cymbidiums outdoors all year round. They require bright filtered light and regular waterings and feedings.

They do not do well in hot or cold climates because they need a combination of regular temperature variations and bright light. In the more southerly or northerly regions, Cymbidium orchids do best in a cool greenhouse or atrium.

This is because Cymbidiums do their best and cool temperatures -- roughly 60 to 85 degrees F. during the day and down to 40 to 55 degrees F. at night. However, as we mentioned at the beginning of this article, Cymbidiums are quite hardy plants and will tolerate both very hot and very cold temperatures for short periods.

This does not mean they can be exposed to frost, although they will tolerate very short exposures to sub freezing temperatures. During the winter, it is best to protect your Cymbidium from cold and rain, but don't bring them indoors as most homes are too dark and warm for the orchid flower to bloom.