Culture Notes – Cymbidium

Cymbidiums are what most people first think of as orchids. This genus is easy to grow and very popuar in cooler, temperate climates of New South Wales and the southern states.

Shade
Shade is necessary from hot sun. A shade or bush house covered with 50% shade is ideal. Alternatively, dappled shade from a tree or other plants willsuffice. Cymbidiums need plenty of filtered sun to flower well. These orchids will grow well, but rarely flower in full shade. If you don’t have a greenhouse, it may be neccessary to move the pot from more sun in Winter to a shadier spot in Summer. If you wish to plant cymbidiums in a garden, provide dappled shade or an easterly aspect. Never cover the roots with heavy soil or clay, rather place the plant on top of the soil and mound around it with cymbidium compost.
Temperature
Happy to grow in a wide range of temperatures, cymbidiums will tolerate light frost as long as buds are protected. At the other end of the scale, very hot days are tolerated but plants will benefit
from a substantial overnight drop in temperature. This drop in temperature will help initiate flower stems.
Watering
Cymbidiums like to stay damp but not wet. To achieve this plants may need to be watered daily during hot, dry weather Watering in the late afternoon/ evening will also help chill the plants. In winter, watering weekly should suffice.
Compost
This needs to be well aerated and free draining, but still remain damp for a reasonable period. Most cymbidiurn compost available from specialist nurseries is ideal, beware of generic brands from supermarkets. These are often of inferior quality. Graded and washed Coconut Husk Chip, such as OrchidMate is a popular media amongst orchid growers. OrchidMate is pre-washed and graded; just soak for a few hours & it it ready to use. Treated pine bark or a perlite based mix is also popular.
Repotting
Cymbidiums are best repotted during the cooler months, or if they are flowering, as soon as possible after flowering. To avoid stress to the plants, do not repot during summer. If dividing plants, make sure at least 3-4 bulbs are left together. Never reuse compost, and sterilise tools and preused pots with bleach or a sugar soap concentrate. After dividing, place plants in a shady area for a few weeks and water sparingly.
Fertiliser
Most effective is water soluable fertiliser. Use a formula recommended for flowering plants. This can be applied every watering at quarter strength or at recommended strength every third watering. A little slow release fertiliser is OK, but must be buried in the pot.
Pests & Disease
Red spider or spidermite is troublesome in summer, especially in warmer climates. Control with miticide, Pest Oil or predatory mites. Scale is easily controlled by Rogor or Pest Oil. Some disease is prevelent in warm, wet weather. Black spots on leaves is easily controlled by spraying with Mancozeb or lime water. Bulb rot can be prevented by using Yates Anti Rot. Always use at manufacturers recommended levels, if in doubt seek advise from a nursery or experienced grower.

Courtesy of Tinonee Orchid Nursery