The Complete Guide To Caring For Cymbidium Orchids

According to Colorado State University, the most gorgeous and long-lasting blooms are found on the caring for cymbidium orchids, a terrestrial orchid native to Asia and Australia.

Cymbidium orchids are one of the hardiest types of orchids, which is a significant plus. They have a greater tolerance for cold and less humidity but still have quirks.

If you want to bring the beauty of Cymbidium orchids into your house, read on to discover the basics of caring for them. What follows is how I take care of my Cymbidium orchids, which I adore.

How To Care For Cymbidium Orchid

Orchids are fragile and lovely, but they need careful care. Flower lovers appreciate Cymbidium Orchids. Cymbidium orchid care advice is here. Water, feed, prune and repot it to prolong its attractiveness.

Water Requirements For Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium orchids need to be watered every day. Still, it’s essential to water only a little because that can cause root rot and other problems. Here are some suggestions on how to water cymbidium orchids:

• Water your orchid early in the morning, so the plant has time to dry out before nightfall.
• Use lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant.
• Water the orchid until the water runs out of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. This will help keep the soil from getting too wet around the roots.
• Check the soil’s moisture level regularly, using a moisture meter or sticking your finger about an inch into the ground. The soil is just slightly moist but not soggy.
• Depending on the humidity and temperature of the room, you should water your cymbidium orchids once or twice a week.

Fertilizer Needs For Cymbidium Orchid

Fertilizing your cymbidium orchid is essential for maintaining its health and promoting growth. Here are some tips for fertilizing your orchid:

• Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratio. Ideally, your fertilizer will have an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 or above.
• Follow the fertilizer’s label directions to find out how much to use. In general, it’s best to use a diluted fertilizer solution since too much fertilizer can lead to too much salt in the soil, which can hurt the plant.
• During the growing season (spring and summer), you should feed your orchid every two to four weeks. In the winter, you should only do this once a month.
• Don’t fertilize your orchid while it’s in bloom, or the flowers might die.
• You can give your orchid more nutrients by using a balanced orchid food, such as a product with iron, zinc, and manganese.

Temperature and Humidity For Cymbidium Orchid

Temperature and humidity are important factors when caring for a cymbidium orchid. Here are some guidelines for temperature and humidity:

• Temperature: Cymbidium orchids prefer cool to intermediate temperatures, with a range of 50-80°F (10-27°C). They do not tolerate extreme heat or cold well and are protected from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
• Humidity: Cymbidium orchids prefer a humidity level of 50-70%. By often spraying your orchid or placing it on a tray with water and pebbles, you can increase the humidity in the area around it. Ensure the plant’s base stays above the water line to keep the roots from rotting.

Light Exposure For Cymbidium Orchid

Proper lighting is essential for the health and growth of a cymbidium orchid. Here are some tips for providing your orchid with the right amount of light:

• Put your orchid in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight may burn yellow foliage.
• Too much darkness might prevent orchids from flowering and thinning down their leaves.
• Grow lights or fluorescent lights are needed to grow orchids indoors. You should set these lights a foot above the plant and on for 12-14 hours daily.

Potting Mix For Cymbidium Orchid

Your cymbidium orchid requires the right potting mix for support and drainage. Tips for selecting orchid potting mix:

• Choose an orchid-specific mixture: bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss balance support and drainage in these combinations.
• Regular potting soil holds too much moisture and causes root rot.
• Use a slow-release fertilizer mix. This may nourish your orchid.
• If you’re growing your orchid in a pot with drainage holes, use a potting mix that is well-draining and doesn’t hold onto moisture for too long.

Repotting For Cymbidium Orchid

Repotting your cymbidium orchid provides new soil and nutrients and keeps it healthy. Tips for orchid repotting:

• Repot your orchid in the spring after it has finished blooming.
• Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one, giving the orchid room to grow.
• Use potting mix made just for orchids because regular potting soil tends to hold too much water, which can make the roots rot.
• Take the orchid out of the pot and shake it gently to get rid of the old soil. Check the roots and cut off any broken or dead ones.
• Put the orchid in the new pot and mix fresh potting mix around the bases. Make sure there’s room at the top of the pot for watering the plants.
• After repotting the orchid, give it a lot of water, and then let the soil dry out before giving it more water.

Pest Prevention For Cymbidium Orchid

Pests can be a problem for cymbidium orchids, and taking steps to prevent them from infesting your plant is essential. Here are some tips for pest prevention:

• Keep your orchid clean by regularly wiping down the leaves and removing any dead or damaged foliage. This can help prevent pests from finding a place to hide.
• Inspect your orchid regularly for signs of pests, such as small holes in the leaves or white cottony masses.
• If you find pests on your orchid, eliminate them with a safe and effective pesticide. Many products are made to be used on orchids, and it’s essential to read and follow the directions on the label.
• Think about using a natural way to eliminate pests, like bringing ladybugs or praying mantises into your garden. Without using chemical pesticides, these bugs can help control the number of pests.

To avoid bugs, keep your orchid clean. Before touching the orchid, wash your hands and don’t use unclean instruments.

Pruning For Cymbidium Orchid

Pruning your cymbidium orchid can help encourage new growth and increase the number of flowers it produces. Here’s how to prune your cymbidium orchid:

• Use sharp scissors to remove dead or damaged leaves or stems.
• Prune off any flowers that are past their prime. This will encourage the plant to produce new flowers.
• If your orchid has long, leggy stems, you can cut them back to promote new growth.
• Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the orchid and slow its growth.
• After pruning, clean your scissors with rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part water and one part vinegar to prevent the spread of any diseases.

Frequent Requested Information

How Often Do Cymbidium Orchids Bloom?

Some cymbidium orchids bloom more than once a year. Cymbidium orchids usually bloom in spring or summer. The orchid type and growing conditions determine the bloom period.

Proper maintenance will help your cymbidium orchid flourish. Provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and frequent watering and fertilizing. Avoiding drafts and rapid temperature fluctuations is also essential.

How Long Do Cymbidium Orchids Last?

Cymbidium orchids are hardy plants that can live for a long time if they are cared for well. How long a cymbidium orchid lives depends on many things, like what kind it is, how it is grown, and how well it is taken care of.

If you want your cymbidium orchid to live as long as possible, you must take good care of it. This means the plant needs bright, indirect light, soil that drains well, and regular watering and feeding. It’s also essential to keep the temperature and humidity level steady and to keep the plant away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Where To Buy Cymbidium Orchids Plant?

You can buy a cymbidium orchid plant in many places. Among the choices:

• Local Nursery Or Garden Center: Many nurseries and garden centers sell cymbidium orchids and other orchid plants. This is a good choice if you want to look at the plants in person before you buy them.
• Online Retailers: You can purchase cymbidium orchids online from several retailers. Suppose you’re going to buy cymbidium orchids online. In that case, you can search for websites that sell orchids or ask local florists or garden centers if they offer online ordering. Some online stores may also offer delivery so that you can send the orchids to your house.
• Orchid Societies: Many local orchid societies hold plant sales or auctions where you can buy orchid plants, including cymbidium orchids. This is an excellent way to help a local orchid society and meet other people who like orchids.
• Specialty Orchid Stores: In some cities, you can buy cymbidium orchids and a wide range of other orchid plants at stores that specialize in orchids. This is a good choice if you want a more comprehensive range of plants.

Are Cymbidium Orchids Poisonous To Cats?

Most of the time, you shouldn’t keep orchids where cats can get to them because it has quinone; the Toronto Botanical Gardens say that the cymbidium orchid is poisonous. 

If a cat eats a cymbidium orchid, it might get sick, have diarrhea, and have trouble breathing. You could hurt or kill your organs if you eat a poisonous plant incorrectly.

Keep all orchids out of reach to keep your cat from getting hurt by a poisonous plant. This means putting the plants on high shelves or in rooms cats aren’t allowed to enter. Keep a list of toxic plants on hand so you can quickly find potentially dangerous plants and take steps to get rid of them.

Are Cymbidium Orchids Expensive?

The price of a cymbidium orchid depends on several things, such as the size and type of the plant, where it is bought, and the time of year. In general, cymbidium orchids are thought to be more expensive than some other types of orchids.

So, a cymbidium orchid can cost anywhere from a few dollars for a small plant to several hundred dollars for a giant, older plant. The color and rarity of the flowers can also change the price of a cymbidium orchid.

Imagine that you want to buy a cymbidium orchid. Look around different stores and compare prices to find the best deal. You might also find cheaper options if you buy a smaller plant or look for one that isn’t blooming.

Can You Plant Cymbidium Orchids In The Ground?

Cymbidium orchids are usually cultivated in pots or baskets; thus, planting them in the ground is not advised. Tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands are home to cymbidium orchids. In humid, well-drained soil, they flourish.

Live where it grows well. A ground-grown cymbidium orchid is feasible. It’s important to know that cymbidium orchids don’t like most soil. They want to bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss for support and drainage.

Grow a cymbidium orchid in the ground. Preparing a well-draining soil mix and putting the orchid in bright, indirect light are excellent ideas in such a scenario. The orchid needs frequent watering, fertilization, and humidity.

Final Word

The information I provided has helped you understand the care requirements for cymbidium orchids. These beautiful plants can be a rewarding addition to any home or garden; with proper care, they can thrive and bloom for many years.

Remember to give your cymbidium orchid bright, indirect light, soil that drains well, and regular watering and feeding. Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels protects the plant from pests and diseases. Repot the orchid as needed and consider using a potting mix that includes slow-release fertilizers to help provide the plant with the nutrients it needs.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your cymbidium orchid stays healthy and continues to thrive. Good luck with your orchid!