Cymbidium Orchids

Contrary to popular belief, orchids are very easy to grow and with their long-lasting flowers, make a very rewarding pot plant. The flowering season extends from June to November and the plants benefit from regular re-potting.

Position

These plants thrive in glasshouses, semi-glassed in verandas and covered or sheltered porches facing east. For those gardeners without these structures, Cymbidiums are best grown in a semi-shaded, well protected position in the garden. They thrive under deciduous trees, which provide filtered light in summer, essential to successful orchid growing.

Pots & potting mixture

Soft black plastic pots produce a vastly superior root system to any other container. Black plastic pots are rather ugly, however it is better to place the black plastic pot inside a more decorative plant pot with drainage holes, than plant directly into a ceramic pot. All pots must have drainage holes, as Cymbidiums will deteriorate if the roots are sitting in water. Only pot Cymbidiums in orchid mix. There is no need to add any other material to the orchid mix when re-potting.

Fertilising

Cymbidiums have different fertiliser requirements depending on the time of the growing season. During the warmer months when leaf growth and root development is required, fertiliser that has a higher nitrogen content is beneficial. Slow release or liquid fertilisers are best from September or when they finish flowering until March. Specific orchid fertilisers that have a lower nitrogen content but higher potassium and phosphorus content should be used as flower buds are forming until the end of flowering, approximately May to August. Alternatively, potash may be added to a low nitrogen fertiliser.

Re-potting

Advanced plants should be completely re-potted every two to three years. Re-potting should be carried out immediately after flowering, usually from September to November. If the plant requires dividing, it is essential to retain two or three green bulbs to form a new plant. These leafless green bulbs, called back bulbs should be retained. On very old, large and congested plants, the old dead back bulbs may be discarded. Green back bulbs may be used to propagate new plants in spring or early summer. Place some sphagnum moss in the bottom of a clear plastic bag, place the back bulb on top and keep moist until a new shoot emerges in about two to three months.

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