CYMBIDIUM-CATALOG
CULTIVATION
ORCHIDS ASIA provides a range of orchids like Dendrobiums, Arandas, Arantheras, Mokaras, Vandas, Cattleyas, Phalenopsis, Oncidiums, Cymbidiums and other intergenerics. Plants in small, medium, and blooming sizes are available
Cymbidium orchids are by far the most popular orchids to be grown in most cooler climates around the world. Renown for their ease of care, hardiness, beauty and exotic mystique, they make a perfect gift.
Originally bred from wild orchids from the mountains of India and South East Asia they are well suited to the climate very similar to that in their native environment. Hybridized by man, for over 100 years, the range of colour, size, growth habits and shape is now very different from the original species.
Cymbidium flowers can vary from 1cm to over 15cm across with up to 50 blooms to the raceme (spike). The range of colours in cymbidiums now varies from deep chocolates through to snow whites, yellows, golds and all the shades of reds and browns as well as every hue of green.
Cyms can vary from small miniatures that suit baskets to huge specimens that can be over a meter across. Flowers have incredible life spans with ages from 4 weeks to 12 weeks for a single flower. As a cut flower cymbidiums can last 2 to 3 weeks.
LIGHT:
Cymbidiums as a rule should be given as much light as possible, short of injuring the leaves. Proper intensity is indicated when the leaves are a grassy yellow-green color. Too much shade is the most frequent cause of non-blooming cymbidiums.
When the bloom spikes begin to form, it is a good practice to leave the plant in the same orientation to the sun, as this prevents the blooms from disorientation. Later, as the buds begin to emerge from the spike sheath, rather heavy shade may be applied. Too high light intensities at this time could cause sepal deformation and/or bud drop.
TEMPERATURE:
Our Standard hybrids are tolerant of heat and also enjoy cool night temperatures (but do not require them). Best daytime temperatures up to 30*C during Summer months and many of our plants are happily in bloom during that time. While most "Standard" cymbidiums require 10-15*C differential between daytime and nighttime temperatures during late Summer and early Fall to induce plants to start spikes, this is not required by standard cymbidiums.
WATER:
During their most active growth period,cymbidiums require more water, in fact, with good drainage and the compost should be kept moist. During the Winter months, cymbidiums should be thoroughly drenched and then allowed to become almost dry before watering again. Misting and spraying of leaves in dry spell is recommended or keep the plant in a humid environment.
Water should not have any slats or calcium , magnesium in it and have a sweet taste with normal PH and EC values.
FERTILIZER:
When in growth use a high nitrogen e.g. (30-10-10) water soluble fertilizer at the rate of one teaspoon to a gallon every two weeks if in fir bark, or balanced e.g. (20-20-20) if in an inorganic media. Another alternative is the use of pelletized, slow release fertilizers which, placed on the surface of the potting medium release minute amounts of fertilizer at each watering. Always feed on bright sunny days, as plants cannot utilize the food in cold, overcast conditions. A judicious choice of feed rates should be employed to get bright blooms and long shelf life.
Within the business of potted plants for decor we work with orchids, anthuriums, and foliage groups. We provide different packing system for each family. Most of orchids for pot plants include Dendrobiums, Vandas, cymbidiums, spathos, and Phalenopsis family.
CYMBIDIUM-HYBRIDS-MERICLONES
All modern hybrids of cymbidiums are derived from just seven of the large flowered Cymbidium species found principally in the hills of Nepal and Sikkim, where they enjoy bright sunlight and cool days and nights. Successful cultivation then requires that we emulate these climatic conditions - which is easily done in most parts of orchid cultivation areas.
About 30 years ago we saw a great interest in "miniature" cymbidiums, made by combining the species pumilum with various of the "Standard"(large flowered, cool growing), cymbidiums.
While these plants were more floriferous and somewhat easier to bloom than "Standard" cymbidiums they were not reliable blooming plants.
Cymbidium Species:
(1) Cymbidium Parishii 'Sanderae' from Burma. A beautiful pure white flower with red labellum, erect inflorescence, 10 to 12 flowers of 7.5 cm. natural spread, which blooms reliably once every winter and is somewhat temperature tolerant.
(2) Cymbidium ensifolium and it's allied species from Ceylon, Assam, and Southern China. These are small plants and flowers with delightful fragrance (which is generally imparted to their progeny) and excellent heat tolerance. Hybrids involving these species and "Standard" cymbidiums usually bloom both Summer and Winter and occasionally all year round.
(3) Cymbidium chloranthum, from Malaysia and Java (also reported from the Philippines). A very warm growing cymbidium producing up to 40 one inch luminous green flowers on each semi-erect inflorescence.
(4) Cymbidium Aloifolium: A species with distribution from western ghats to srilanka is a dropping pendant species with very attractive flowers and healthy growing habit with high sun tolerance.
VENTILATION:
Good air movement is a necessity at all times and the plants should be potted somewhat high in the pot to allow good air movement around the base of the bulbs. All media should have a good aeration to allow roots to breathe and dry out between watering and to avoid fungal growth.
POTTING MEDIUM:
Many different cymbidium mixes are available as organic mix and it should be slightly acidic (pH 5-6). Remember that the drainage must be good however, they will not tolerate water standing around the roots. When "potting up" from a smaller to a larger pot the entire root ball can be transferred to the new pot with rock wool or peat mixes - thus preventing the broken roots and plant "shock" which normally results when trying to remove old organic media. A good aeration in the root zone is a must to have healthy plants.
POTTING:
Cymbidium potting can be done in a good ventilated orchid plastic pot made out of PP and size ranging from 4 to 6 inches circular for all the big plants. As media tends to be small, bottom drainage holes covered with crock or heavy slate can help.
PESTS & DISEASES:
Fortunately cymbidiums are more resistant to pests and diseases than are most orchids. Snails and slugs must be controlled, especially during the blooming season. Metaldehyde in powder, liquid and pellets are effective. Spider mites are probably the major pest. Fungus diseases are seldom a problem; when they do occur, use Subdue or Aliette. Cymbidiums along with most other orchids are subject to all virus diseases. Their spread can be controlled by proper precautionary measures such as destroying or segregating infected plants, sterilizing all cutting tools.
Normally Blooming plants age from 12 month to 18 month or can be more based on the plant type. A blooming plant is a show piece by itself and can be used to decor gardens, patios, receptions or office or hospitality industry needs and they serve to live more longer in interior environments.
CUTFLOWER ANTHURIUMS AND HYBRIDS
FLORAL HELICONIA AND GARDEN HELICONIAS
GUZMANIA, TILLANDSIA AND OTHER AIRPLANTS
VANDACEOUS AND OTHER INTERGENERIC CROSSES
MOKARAS, ARANDAS AND KAGAWARAS
ONCIDIUMS AND TOLUMNIA HYBRIDS
ARACHNIS AND ARANTHERA AND ALLIANCES
FAMILY OF EPIDENDRUM AND HYBRIDS
CATTLEYAS AND OTHER INTERGENERIC CROSSES
PHALENOPSIS PLANTS AND DORITIS GROUP
BULBOS OR CIRRHOPETALUMS
WONDERFUL CATASETUMS AND CLONES
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RENETHERAS AND INTERGENERICS
SPATHOS ARE GROUND ORCHIDS
PAPHS AS THEY ARE CALLED
