Featured Plant of the Week (Cymbidiums)
Photo by and © Derek Ramsey. Distributed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Cymbidiums
One of the most enduring and beautiful orchids, the Cymbidium is quite literally a timeless classic. Hailing from all over tropical and sub-tropical Asia, they are sought after for their fragrance, ease of culture, and versatility. Combined with a wide range of colors and an enormous number of cultivars, it's no surprise that Cymbidiums are one of the most desirable orchids.
In appearance they can vary widely, but most Cymbidiums are defined by their waxy flowers and long elegant foliage. Most species are sympodial, which means they grow horizontally along the ground as well as up. Each plant produces a flower spike topped of with what is called a raceme. A raceme is just a type of inflorescence that consists of many smaller floral stalks. Most Cymbidiums naturally bloom during the winter and spring, and the flowers can last around 10 weeks.
Like most orchids Cymbidiums are tropical plants, making their homes in places like northern India, China, the Philippines, Japan, and northern Australia. They were not introduced to the West until the 18th century. There are only about 60 species of Cymbidium, but numerous hybrids, mostly bred over many years of cultivation. Many years of course means thousands. Cymbidiums are mentioned in literature as far back as the 5th century BC by the Chinese philosopher Confucius, who extolled its fragrance and beauty. That's over 2,500 years ago.
They have been cultivated for a long time in China, where they have become a symbol of virtue, friendship, and nobility. Confucius called the plant the "King of Fragrance", which is a nick name apparently still used today. The name Cymbidium was given to the genus by the Swedish botanist Olof Swartz. Cymbidium is derived from the Greek word 'kumbos', which means 'hole' or 'cavity', and so describes the shape of the petals. Some people also call them boat orchids, which like Cymbidium, is supposed to describe the flower's shape.
However, if there is one thing that really defines the plant, it would probably be its legendary hardiness. Most species of Cymbidium grows in the higher elevations of the tropics, up on the mountains. This has made most of them much tougher than their famously sensitive cousins, and it's probably one of the only orchids you can put outdoors in non-tropical regions. Optimal temperatures for the plant vary depending on the season, but in the winter it can handle even a chilly 45° F. This means in mild climates (such as here on the coast) they can stay outdoors all year round; quite a feat for an orchid.
Best of all, the other aspects of the plant's care are not too onerous either. They take direct sunshine, though it's best if they're in the shade during the midday hours. A good rule of thumb is to look at the color of the leaves. If they become a dark green, they need more light, but if they are golden green (a bit of yellow) then that is actually perfect. Also like most orchids, Cymbidiums need a constant supply of water, especially during the growing season in the spring and summer. Their ideal potting medium is essentially the same as other orchids: fir bark and peat moss to absorb and retain water.
You can find Cymbidiums at BloomRite® Gardens right now. Each plant has between one and four flower spikes, and comes in a 6" grower's pot. Right now all Cymbidiums, regardless of the number of spikes, are only $24.95. Call us to find out about the availability of different colors.
