How Often Should Cymbidium Orchids Be Watered?

Cymbidium orchids are known for their ability to stay moist but not soggy, and they prefer more water than Phalaenopsis plants. To care for them, it is recommended to water them once every three days or twice a week, with the top of the pot being emptied to prevent excess water from flowing out. When potted in a 5″ pot, Cymbidium orchids need 0.5 cups of water every 9 when they don’t get direct sunlight.

The care requirements for Cymbidium orchids include light requirements, soil, watering and fertilizing, temperature and humidity preferences, and propagation. They like to stay moist but not wet, and the general rule in watering orchids is once per week. However, Cymbidium orchids follow the same rule, but with additional care.

In spring and autumn, Cymbidium orchids should be watered about once or twice a week, ensuring that the potting medium remains dry. From fall through winter, less sun results in growth pausing, so Cymbidiums may need daily watering during the hot summer months. In winter, watering should be done every 10 days, always in the morning.

During spring and summer, these plants are on a growth spurt, demanding consistent watering. The potting medium should remain moderately moist, but be wary of overwatering. Cymbidiums should be fed just after every third watering, which can amount to as often as every two weeks.

In terms of positioning, watering, and feeding, Cymbidium orchids should be watered about once a week in cooler times, with every other day or every day watering during hot weather. Watering heavily during the growth season and reducing watering when pseudobulbs complete growing in later stages is essential.

How to care for Cymbidium orchids indoors?

Cymbidium orchids require a moist growing medium, never going “bone dry”. They thrive from spring to early fall, and should be watered frequently and heavily. From fall through winter, watering can be reduced, and the root system should be watered only as needed to prevent root rot. When repotting, water the media for at least three days to prevent root rot. Watering in the morning allows 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.

How often do I water orchids inside?

Watering your orchid every 7 to 11 days, especially when the mix is dry, is essential to prevent damage and prevent overwatering, which can lead to crown rot, root rot, and other infestations. Watering in the morning is recommended as nighttime watering can leave water sitting for a period. Additionally, consider the temperature of your house, as high thermostats may cause the orchid to grow in summer. Visit our shop to see beautiful phalaenopsis orchids grown in the south coast of England, and sign up for our newsletter to access our orchids at discounted prices when we have grown a few too many.

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.

What does an overwatered orchid look like?

Identifying the problem of overwatering and root rot is crucial for rescuing an orchid. Common symptoms include yellowing leaves, brown spots, wilted leaves, soft and mushy roots, an unpleasant rot smell, and lack of new leaves or flowers. Once identified, remove the plant from the pot and examine the roots. If the roots are black or brown and mushy to the touch, they have rotted due to overwatering. This step is essential for ensuring the orchid’s health and growth.

Why don’t my cymbidiums flower?

Cymbidiums require at least 50 light hours, especially in moderate shade under trees. Avoid placing them under dense shade or near walls that restrict light. Direct sunlight can burn their foliage, so it’s essential to avoid direct sunlight. Good air movement is crucial to reduce fungi and bacterial problems. Keep pots off the ground for air circulation and drainage. Protect them from direct winds.

Watering should be varied based on climatic conditions, with evening watering during mid-Spring to early Autumn, morning watering in late autumn, winter, and early spring, and watering once a week in cooler times. Cymbidiums flower for 8 to 12 weeks each year, so when they swell and buds emerge, bring them out of the weather and keep them dry to prevent bruising.

How often should you feed cymbidium orchids?

Cymbidiums are orchids that prefer frequent watering, with recommended watering times ranging from every two weeks during the warmer months to once a month in the winter. They should be fed after every third watering, using a high nitrogen fertilizer, balanced fertilizer, and blossom booster. Heavy watering is necessary to leach accumulated fertilizer salts from the potting medium. Cymbidiums should be repotted every 2 to 3 years in the spring when new growths are visible and at least 3-4 inches tall.

Flower spikes may need to be removed before summer, but cut flowers can be enjoyed for weeks if kept in water. Cypress blend media is an excellent medium for most Cymbidiums, but larger or specimen-sized plants may need drainage material at the bottom of the pot. If dividing the plant, divisions should have at least 3-4 mature pseudobulbs and one new growth. Avoid dividing too often to ensure the desired flowering results.

How often should I feed Cymbidium orchids?

Cymbidiums are orchids that prefer frequent watering, with recommended watering times ranging from every two weeks during the warmer months to once a month in the winter. They should be fed after every third watering, using a high nitrogen fertilizer, balanced fertilizer, and blossom booster. Heavy watering is necessary to leach accumulated fertilizer salts from the potting medium. Cymbidiums should be repotted every 2 to 3 years in the spring when new growths are visible and at least 3-4 inches tall.

Flower spikes may need to be removed before summer, but cut flowers can be enjoyed for weeks if kept in water. Cypress blend media is an excellent medium for most Cymbidiums, but larger or specimen-sized plants may need drainage material at the bottom of the pot. If dividing the plant, divisions should have at least 3-4 mature pseudobulbs and one new growth. Avoid dividing too often to ensure the desired flowering results.

Is it better to overwater or underwater orchids?

Orchids should be watered based on their roots, which are surrounded by a tissue-paper-thin membrane called velamen. This membrane absorbs water quickly, adheres to rough surfaces, and promotes mineral and salt exchange. Dry velamen is white or silvery, while freshly watered velamen is green or mottled. Orchids can be watered from the top or bottom, with mounted plants needing more water. Standard orchid mixes include fir bark, tree fern fiber, sphagnum moss, perlite, and gravel. Overwatering can cause root rot and plant decline.

How do I know if I’m watering my orchid enough?

It is essential to provide orchids with an adequate supply of water to ensure that their leaves retain a glossy and firm appearance, while also maintaining robust and vibrant roots. Insufficient watering can result in the development of dark, dry roots, while excessive watering can lead to the formation of yellow, brown, or hollow roots, which are similar in appearance to those observed in Vandas.

How do I get my Cymbidium orchid to bloom?

Cymbidiums require light for optimal growth, with dappled light being the best option. They can be grown indoors in frosty areas, but need a well-lit position. The leaves should be light apple green, with deep greens indicating overshade. The ideal conditions are shade for spring/summer, increased light for late summer and autumn, and avoid strong winds or exposed positions. Keep the orchid out of strong winds or very exposed areas.

How much water does a Cymbidium orchid need?

Cymbidiums thrive in moist conditions; therefore, it is essential to provide consistent irrigation during the spring and summer months, while avoiding over-watering. It is recommended that watering be reduced from late summer through winter until the potting mixture is barely damp. Once the orchid has completed its flowering cycle, the stem should be cut back to the base, as the plant will not produce new flowers from the same stem.