Orchid Features
The genus Cymbidium (Cimbidio) includes beautiful species and varieties of orchids that are well known and widely distributed. Some species of Cymbidium orchids grow in cooler areas, others in warmer climates. To date, more than 100 species of this plant are cultivated.
The foliage of cymbidiums is thin (arc-shaped, bright green in color), grows from thick stalked pseudobulbs.
Cymbidium orchids bloom in winter and spring. Flowers bloom along the entire length of the erect stem. Petals are painted in soft shades of color from cream to burgundy, depending on the species.
The cymbidium is grown as an indoor orchid, but can be grown in the garden for part of the year. Starting from the first half of May, they are placed outdoors in a bright but not sunny place, always after the end of flowering. Before the first frost, you need to move it indoors.
Caring for Cymbidium Orchids
These orchids need more sunlight and cooler temperatures. They provide a good level of illumination all year round, especially in winter. In the house it is better to use windows facing north or northeast. Do not place them in the center of the room, it may be too shady.
Note! Healthy leaves are light green or greenish yellow. If they turn bright yellow or have spots, the plant is getting too much sun, and if they are dark green, it is getting too little.
If the plant is outdoors in summer, shade it from the midday sun. Too much light can burn the leaves.
Temperature
They can withstand temperatures down to -2 ° C, but with the advent of cold weather, they must be cleaned in houses, taking care of the humidity, reducing their exposure to radiators. Cymbidiums need good air ventilation, but they are afraid of drafts.
Winter growing temperature is between 10-14°C, in summer below 30°C, so as not to damage the plants.
substrate
Orchids are epiphytic plants, so their roots can get nourishment from the environment. Cymbidium is grown in specific orchid soil, consisting of peat and bark, with effective drainage for excess water.
Bark substrate with sphagnum [/ caption]
The substrate is changed every two or three years. Transplant the plant into a four to five cm larger container so that the roots can grow. Avoid using a large pot, as the soil will stay wet for too long, causing root rot. After transplanting, it is important to leave the Cymbidium in the shade without water for at least a week.
Watering
Cymbidiums need very frequent watering, especially during the flowering season, so that the substrate never remains dry. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and water about once a week during most of the flowering period. Allow the soil to dry out a little before watering again. Orchid roots are very delicate and can cause fungal diseases if left in water for too long. In summer, it may need to be watered every 3 or 5 days. In winter, reduce watering to a weekly or two-week period. Plants placed outdoors or in a greenhouse may need more frequent watering during hot weather.
It is important to maintain the required level of ambient humidity in winter, when heating makes the air drier. Spray water only on the leaves, as the flowers can be damaged. However, if the water contains lime, it can also damage the leaves.
top dressing
Like most orchids, the Cymbidium needs frequent fertilization. The substrate should be enriched with a special liquid fertilizer for orchids, which must be added to the water for irrigation. Apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer every third watering in the spring, and switch to a high-potassium fertilizer in the summer. In winter, stop feeding completely or occasionally, using half-strength liquid fertilizers.
Pay attention ! Too little or too much fertilizer can disrupt flowering and this is a very common mistake.
Transfer
Transplanting a Cymbidium orchid is not a difficult task. This will help ensure its healthy growth and good flowering. They are best repotted in the spring, immediately after flowering, if they have become too large for their pot or have been in the same substrate for 2 years. Orchids do not like to be repotted frequently.
Cymbidiums do not need transparent pots, as their roots do not seek light.
If the plant has formed a lot of pseudobulbs, separate them with a knife.
The division of the pseudobulb [/ caption]
Each part must contain at least 5 pseudobulbs, otherwise flowering will be disturbed. Remove all old substrate. Cut diseased or dead roots (brown, soft, shriveled or hollow) with sterile scissors or secateurs. The remaining healthy roots, which should be white and firm, are shortened to about 15-20 cm.
Bloom
In order for the plants to flower well, they need a clear temperature difference between day and night in mid to late summer. To prevent bud drop, keep temperatures below 15°C during flower growth.
Beautiful flowering [/ caption]
Flowering usually lasts six to eight weeks. As soon as the buds fade, cut off the peduncle to the base.
Why don’t cymbidiums bloom?
Reasons why orchids may not bloom:
- little light, especially in autumn and winter;
- irregular watering is associated with root rot, which can infect the plant when the soil is too wet;
- dense and poorly drained substrate.
High nighttime temperatures above 12°C can cause bud drop.
Parasites, diseases
The main problem of Cymbidium is root rot, and it is always worth paying attention to watering. Diseases are manifested, in most cases, by dark spots on the leaves.
Under direct sunlight in spring or summer, there is a risk of burning the leaves.
Among the parasites that can attack orchids are red spider mites, aphids, scale insects. They can weaken the plant, slowing down its growth.
Additional Information! One of the most common pests of Cymbidium orchids is the red mite. This is easy to avoid because it only attacks the plant if it is in a dry environment. Therefore, the only thing that needs to be done is to increase the humidity of the environment.
They can be easily treated with organic household insecticides, which are effective, inexpensive, and easy to make.
Main types and varieties
Cymbidiums are one of the most popular orchids: large waxy flowers are multicolored. Each peduncle can have from one to 30 flowers. Most of the varieties commonly grown in pots are hybrids made by crossing species with large flowers. Finding a cymbidium on the market is easy.
Cymbidium aloifolium This beautiful orchid develops flowers at the ends of long, hanging stems. Blooms from late spring. Although orchids need a lot of light, it is best to place this species in a spot that can have shade.
Cymbidium dayanum with autumn flowering. The flowers are white and large (about 8 cm), stand out not only for their beauty, but also for their aroma. Often they have purple stripes, which makes them even more attractive. The stem with flowers can reach 30 cm in height.
Cymbidium eburneum blooms in mid-spring. Each stem has a maximum of three white, and in some cases with small purple veins, flowers. Even if there are few of them, it is a beautiful sight. The height of the stems is about 30 cm.
Cymbidium pumilum. The leaves are a beautiful bright green color that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Beautiful flowers, ranging from yellow to bright red, with unique hues. They are not very large (about 5 cm), but incredibly charming.
Cymbidium erythrostyli with a large number of leaves, very thin, which can reach 38 cm in length. Each stem has up to 7 large flowers. The flowering period is autumn.
The great advantage of Cymbidium orchids, compared to others, is that they bloom more easily and produce more flowers.
