Introducing...

Cymbidium orchids

Botanical name: Cymbidium

Common name: Cymbidium

Cymbidium orchids bloom spectacularly during the colder months of the year, bringing exotic glamour to our homes when little else is in flower.

Looks

From late autumn to spring, cymbidiums produce stems clad in exotic, long-lasting blooms, in a choice of colours. These dramatic flower spikes can range from just 30cm (1ft) tall up to 1.2m (4ft). The long, narrow, evergreen leaves form arching clumps.

Likes

Cymbidiums prefer bright but not direct light, and regular, moderate watering and feeding. They are tender, so need to be grown indoors, where they like cooler temperatures than most other houseplant orchids, ideally 10–24°C (50–75°F). They do, however, enjoy a spell outdoors in late summer.

Dislikes

These orchids dislike high temperatures – keep them below 30°C (86°F) in summer, and at 10–14°C (50–57°F) in winter. Shade them from strong summer sun and take care not to overwater, as the roots may rot.

Did you know?

To stimulate flowering, give cymbidiums a few months outdoors in mid- to late summer. The distinct drop in temperature between day and night is the trigger they need to start producing flower stems.

Growing guide

How to grow cymbidium orchids

All the information you’ll need to grow these spectacular orchids successfully in your home.

How to grow cymbidium orchids