A medium-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid with linear or narrowly-oval leaves. Each leathery leaf is 50cm long and 2cm wide. In late winter and spring an upright flowering stem carrying densely arranged flowers appears. The flowers are waxy, up to 6cm large, cream, pale yellow or pale pink. The colour depends on the name of the cultivar
0.5-1 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in an open, free-draining orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 16°C and 10°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Place outside in dappled shade during the summer months to aid flower initiation. See cymbidium cultivation for more detailed information
Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting
No pruning required. Cut down flowered stems to base
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Generally disease-free. Sterilising cutting tools may prevent virus diseases, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV)