The Cymbidium orchid, also known as the boat orchid, is a popular and beautiful orchid species that has been grown and revered in China for thousands of years. Its decorative flower spikes can last until spring, and it prefers cooler conditions than other tender indoor orchids, ideally 10-24°C (50-75°F). To maintain the plant’s health, water them once every week with rainwater or reverse osmosis water, but avoid using water “softened” by other processes.
Cymbidiums prefer cooler conditions than other tender indoor orchids, ideally 10-24°C (50-75°F). Keep them below 30°C (86°F) in summer and at 10-14°C (50-57°F) in winter. Water once every week, with rainwater if possible, or boiled and cooled water. Don’t let plants dry out or let them sit in water. Feed them every few weeks with an orchid feed through the growing season.
Over-watering is the easiest way to kill a Cymbidium Orchid, so thoroughly drench the plant and allow excess water to quickly drain. Do not water your orchids until the top of the soil is dry, about five days or so, as overwatering causes roots to shrivel.
Orchids are relatively long-lasting when freshly cut, maintaining their fresh, waxy appearance for several days to several weeks. Flowers can last anywhere from 8-10 weeks and come in almost all colors except blue. Cymbidiums bloom only one time, so once the flowers have bloomed, allow the top third to dry out in between hydrations, using lukewarm water if possible.
With good care, Cymbidiums can have a vase life of 4 to 5 weeks. They thrive in sun that would burn most orchids, and leaves are a good indicator of proper care. The failsafe is to keep the plants below 65F (18.3C) at all times in the fall, winter, and early spring, as Cymbidiums will refuse to bloom if the temperature is too low.
📹 How to Grow and Care for Cymbidium Orchids
In this video I will take you through the entire year of care for cymbidium orchids. Including the most important part. How to make …
How long do cut cymbidium orchids last?
Orchid Cymbidiums have an average vase life of 3-6 weeks if protected from ethylene damage. They bloom slowly, starting at the bottom of the spike and increasing with warmer ambient temperature. They should be purchased when at least two flowers per spike are still in bud form and the rest are open. If purchased individually, they need to be fully opened upon purchase. Cymbidiums should be free of discoloration, spotting, and brown tips and should be checked for damage upon receipt.
They are supplied in tubes filled with solution, which can be stored in water tubes, but water levels should be checked regularly and top off if low. Orchid Cymbidiums can be used as vertical line flowers in larger, showy arrangements, corsages, boutonnieres, and bridal bouquets. They perform well in foam if hydrated properly, and can be kept fresh and hydrated using FloraLife® Finishing Touch spray. For optimal vase life, Orchid Cymbidiums should be stored no longer than a week.
Do cymbidiums need full sun?
Plant Cymbidium Orchids in a filtered light position or part shade to avoid scalding or dark greening. Adjust the light conditions as needed. Plant the crown just below the surface in an orchid mix. Keep the plant well watered during flowering and summer, and moist in winter. Avoid leaving the pot base in a saucer that collects water. Watering schedules vary for each area, with summer watering two to three times per week, autumn watering once to twice per week, winter watering once per week, and spring watering as for autumn.
How long can flowers be left out of water?
Cut flowers are capable of surviving without water for extended periods, contingent on the specific plant species and the manner in which they are treated. The majority of cut flowers can remain fresh for approximately 24 hours; however, there are methods that can be employed to prolong their lifespan.
Should orchids dry out between waterings?
Orchids need to dry out between watering, typically every week or so for most 5″ or larger pot sizes. Smaller pots may require water two to three times per week. Each grower’s environment is unique, so it’s essential to understand their watering needs over time. A lighter-weight pot indicates that the mix has dried out. If uncertain, wait another day or two. Watering in the morning allows orchid leaves to dry and prevents bacterial growth overnight.
If possible, use low-alkalinity water like rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. If you have a dehumidifier, the water collected in the tray is ideal for watering orchids. For epiphytic plants grown on a slab, daily watering or high humidity is necessary for successful growth.
How often should cymbidiums be watered?
Cymbidium orchids require regular watering, especially when the potting medium is dry. Watering should be done two to three times a week in summer and once a week in winter, and once or twice a week in spring and autumn. Repotting is recommended between October and December, allowing for division of larger plants into separate pots. Use a mixture of sieved bark and marble chips as a potting medium and enlarge drainage holes at the base of plastic pots.
Avoid compressing the medium and water generously after potting. To control pests and disease, plant cymbidium orchids off the ground and in containers, as slugs and snails are their worst enemies. Regular use of snail bait every two weeks during the flowering season can help control these pests.
What if I forgot to water my orchid?
Orchid dehydration can cause subtle signs such as small leaves, bloom stems with few flowers, or no bloom stems at all. Consistent watering and light fertilizer may be enough to revive your plant. However, if these methods don’t work, a simple soaking method can be used. Many people struggle to keep their orchids alive for more than a couple of years, even if they’re not green thumbs. This is because many plant parents are afraid to overwater their orchids, which inadvertently causes the plant to die of thirst.
Do cymbidiums like to be crowded?
Cymbidium orchids are easy to grow in Australia, but overcrowding can affect flowering and pest control. To ensure successful growth, divide crowded clumps immediately after flowering finishes. Cymbidiums can produce stunning winter flowers for up to 3 months in various colors. Light is crucial for cymbidiums, as too much shade can result in dark green foliage without flowers, while too much sun can cause leaves to bleach and burn, affecting the overall appearance.
Cymbidiums need gentle winter sunlight but need protection from strong summer sun. Dappled shade under a deciduous tree or a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon protection during summer are ideal. Proper lighting and location are crucial for a healthy and vibrant cymbidium orchid.
How to water orchids while away for 2 months?
It is recommended that a layer of water be left in the dish, creating a reservoir after the pot has been thoroughly soaked.
How to tell if an orchid needs water?
Orchids need adequate water for their growth and development. They should have shiny, firm leaves and green roots. Too little water can cause dark, dry roots, yellow, brown, or hollow roots. In garden arrangements, too little water can cause wrinkly flowers and wilted veins. Leaves can be discolored, dull, thinned out, floppy, soft, and rubbery. Too much water can cause similar symptoms but will be visible in the leaves before they appear in the flowers. It is crucial to monitor and address these warning signs for your orchids.
How long can an orchid survive without water?
Orchids require regular watering, typically once every 7-10 days in winter and twice a week in summer. They should not go longer than 2-3 weeks without water. Overwatering and underwatering are harmful to orchids. Adjusting the schedule during dry or sunny seasons is recommended. Watering early in the morning allows the orchid time to absorb moisture and nutrients from the cool soil. However, the process slows down as the soil gets warmer and dryer.
Accidental splashes on the leaves or blossoms can dry out during the day. Additionally, cooler temperatures during evenings and nights can make water stand in the soil and tray longer, which is not ideal for orchids.
How long will cut orchids last out of water?
It is recommended that cut flowers be allowed to stand without water for a period of only a few hours, with the specific duration depending on the type of flower and the manner in which it has been treated after cutting. Wilting is the result of air entering the flower, which prevents the plant from absorbing water. The rate at which cut flowers are placed in water has a considerable impact on their lifespan. To guarantee the longevity of cut flowers, it is imperative to ascertain their water-free lifespan.
📹 Surprised that the dead orchid suddenly revived miraculously
Add comment