Growing Cymbidiums
Orchids from the Cymbidium genus retain their popularity year after year. The ease with which they can be cared for and their beauty virtually guarantee it.
These lovely plants are native to the South Pacific region, growing wild in Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. They produce lovely flowers that come in a wide variety, such as long white tapers with striking red streaks or bright yellows. They also generate abundant leaves providing the plant with just the right attributes to flesh out any home garden.
Caring for them takes little effort compared to many orchids. They enjoy ample light, provided they're not exposed for long to direct sunlight. For those with a light meter, 2500-3500 foot candles is about right. A variation of partial shade, partial sun is best. Too much sun will result in drooping flowers with brown stains.
They thrive in very wet conditions, provided there is good drainage. Unlike some orchids, watering twice per week is normal. Keeping the potting bark moist at all times is a good idea, along with occasional spraying of the leaves. Rain water is preferred, or commercially de-mineralized water, in order to avoid salt build up. Occasional drenching in order to leach the medium is a good idea, too.
On warmer days, be sure to keep the humidity up to 50% or more, 65% is even better.
Regular feeding is appreciated. Use a 30-10-10 mixture to give Cymbidiums plenty of nitrogen during the growing season from Feburary to August. Then, taper off slightly. Low nitrogen is best for the blooming season in the Fall and little feeding is needed during Winter. Fertilizer can be in liquid or pellet form depending on preference.
Like most orchids, Cymbidiums have their own problems with pests. Red spider mites are common, as is scale. Snails and slugs enjoy the flowers. Keeping the humidity high will help keep the mites under control. Simple snail pellets or physical isolation will keep snails from devouring those beautiful blooms. For extra protection against mites, aphids and other pests a small amount of a commercial chemical pesticide will be safe and effective.
Applying insecticide every two weeks for about six weeks will almost certainly take care of any problem that crops up. Snail bait should be applied after watering. Washing the leaves and flowers will help control aphids, but an alcohol solution will provide extra protection.
Bacterial and fungal diseases often occur when the conditions are too wet, which Cymbidiums like. So, combat the tendency by providing lots of air movement and don't overcrowd the plants by putting them too close together. Water early in the day so the heat has time to dry the plant before nighttime temperatures set in.
Repotting is generally only needed every three years. Repot when the old blooms have dropped off and reduce watering after the procedure until the plant has been reestablished. You can tell when to repot by seeing how full the pot is. When it grows against the edge, it's definitely time.
