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Community Corner

Cymbidiums: An All-Star Orchid

Think you can't grow orchids? Think again—and say 'hi' to the cymbidium, a cool-weather orchid that blooms in winter.

There’s a perception among some gardeners that all orchids are difficult to grow, require a lot of specialized care and grow only in warm and humid places.

If you have believed all that in the past, then it’s time to put the past aside and remember one new word:

Cymbidiums.

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Orchids are one of the most diverse family of plants on earth, so it stands to reason that not all of them are created alike. These cool-weather orchids are not only large and impressive, with sprays of large flowers and lots of long green leaves, but they are also easy to grow—you can put them outdoors in a lightly shaded area. No greenhouse required.

Cymbidiums, which hail from temperate zones in Asia and Australia, have been favorites for centuries with orchid fanciers. They’ve been cultivated for thousands of years in China and became popular in Europe during the Victorian era.

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There are two things that make cymbidiums appealing to home gardeners: They’re easy to care for, and they bloom in the winter. It's a welcome sight for the flower-starved. The blooms are generally spectacular.

Cymbidiums have multiple flowers that can last up to two months, and there are many wonderful colors to choose from, including white, cream, all shades of rose and pink, yellow, green, brown and red. They also typically have a wonderful fragrance.

You’ll find cymbidiums, as well as many other orchids, at South Pacific Orchids in Gilroy, where the showroom features some lovely specimens. 

When buying cymbidiums, look for healthy plants with as many flower spikes as possible. Sometimes the emerging spikes are hidden by the long green leaves, so take a careful look. You’ll want to get all the flowers you can.

I have a couple of potted cymbidiums—the only orchid I’ve ever been able to get to rebloom—and I enjoy bringing them inside when they begin blooming. The flowers will also look better and last longer when not subjected to the cold and rain of winter.

In Gilroy, you can keep cymbidiums outdoors much of the year, although they don’t like temperatures below 28 degrees or above 90. During extended hot summer periods, you may want to bring them inside or help them in a cool, sheltered spot if possible.

Cymbidiums are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized from April to October each year in order to set their flower spikes in the fall. A high-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season is recommended.

Rainwater is ideal for watering, as cymbidiums are sensitive to water that contains salts or contaminants, which will eventually damage them. Cymbidiums need water two or three times a week and less often in the winter, with good drainage required at all times. You’ll want to use an orchid potting mix, or if you want to make your own, blend two parts medium fir bark, one part ¾-inch red lava rock and one part perlite.

Ideal conditions for copious blooms include a 20-degree difference between day and night temperatures, which generally occurs in the fall. Cymbidiums also like filtered sunlight, such as under oak trees, but heavy shade can discourage blooming.

According to the Cymbidium Society of America website, cymbidiums are resistant to most insects but may get aphids and scale, so keep an eye on any pests and treat as needed.

Cymbidiums can be found at garden centers and nurseries at this time of year, especially prior to big floral holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Luckily, with South Pacific Orchids in town, you won’t have to go far to find this fabulous orchid.

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