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 Cymbidium Orchid
A minimum night temperature of 10-14°C (50-57°F) is required. It helps if plants have a spell outdoors from June to September to encourage flower-bud initiation. Gradually acclimatise plants to sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. While spikes are developing, night temperatures must fall below 15°C (60°F).
Flowering can occur from November to May with flower spikes lasting roughly eight weeks. Support developing spikes with a cane, and cut them down to 5cm (2in) when blooms have faded.
From spring to autumn, water from above and allow excess water to drain away; compost should just dry out between waterings. Moderate feeding during the growing season is beneficial. Use a general purpose liquid feed at half strength every third watering. Then use only water the fourth time to ensure that harmful salts are washed out. In winter, reduce the watering and allow plants to dry out for a time.
Re-pot congested plants after flowering in spring. Don’t overpot plants. Some of the old pseudo bulbs that have lost their leaves can be removed. Use specially formulated orchid compost. When dividing plants, ensure that there are at least three or four healthy pseudo bulbs per division.
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