Add Cymbidium Orchids To Your Garden
Cymbidium orchids are popular the world over where the climate is cooler. Australia’s southern portion is but one example. The Cymbidium will be a joy to grow, but especially for the beginning orchid enthusiast, as the plant is quite hardy. Historically the Cymbidium was cultivated from orchids found in the wild mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and India. But they are as well suited to the climatic conditions of certain regions in Australia such as Melbourne.
The Cymbidium has been cross-bred with other orchid varieties for well over a century and provides the grower with a wide range of color, growing patterns, sizes and shapes. Proper Cymbidium Orchid care can provide up to fifty blooms per spike. Colors include the deepest browns to pure white as well as other substantial colors such as reds, greens, gold and yellow. The flowers of the Cymbidium range in size from miniatures suitable for basket arrangements to much larger blooms. The flowering period ranges from one to three months, while cut flowers live up to two or three weeks in a vase.
Many gardeners do not cultivate orchids due to the mistaken belief that they are highly exotic and unsuited to certain geographic locations. Actually the plant is quite hardy; perhaps the misconception is due to the fact that many growers find it difficult to get their orchids to bloom. An apt solution is to move the Cymbidium to an area that provides a little more sunlight; the Cymbidium will then provide plenty of healthy, gorgeous flowers. A Cymbidium that is healthy should bloom annually, and a plant approximately a decade old is able to manufacture ten to twenty flower spikes.
As is the case in real estate, location is most important to Cymbidiums. Ideally the plant should receive plenty of bright diffused sunlight, but not strong direct sunlight. It should be kept away from heavy wind and frost prone areas. The plant thrives well in an airy, warm and well-lighted environment, up off the ground. A north-facing position on a covered-in patio is ideal.
Here are some more tips on caring for Cymbidiums:
Pay attention to where the shadows fall at different times of the day in order to find an adequate spot for your plant. Keep your Cymbidium out of direct hot sun to avoid the leaves being scorched. Keep it in a sheltered spot, under trees or shrubbery, but not in full shade. A greenhouse, glasshouse or sheltered patio will provide good results as far as growth. However, ensure you keep plants moist as these areas are generally dry.
The Cymbidium Orchid requires regular watering. If the orchid is allowed to completely dry out it will not die, but it will probably not bloom. If the media is slightly damp you needn’t water the plant. Generally watering is advised once a week but this depends on the season. If you live in a relatively hot region you might consider installation of a misting system to increase humidity.
Mary Perkins has converted her love of gardening into a new website, Caring for Orchids, where she discusses how to properly Grow Orchids for beautiful flowers.
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