The Essential Guide To The Cymbidium Orchid
Botanical Name: Cymbidium orchid
Common Name: Cymbidium orchid
General Knowledge: The Cymbidium orchid, originally from the foothills of the Himalayas and areas of Southeast Asia, is widely admired for its elegant blooms and long, arching stems, making it a popular choice for ornamental purposes in homes and gardens. Known for its striking appearance, it is frequently used in floral arrangements and as a centrepiece in various events, including weddings and parties. A fun fact about the Cymbidium orchid is that it has a remarkable ability to adapt to different climates, allowing it to thrive in cooler temperatures, which is quite unusual for an orchid species.
Colour Range: Cymbidium orchids boast a wide array of colours including pure white, cream with pink, yellow or red throats, lemon and yellows, gold, apricots, browns, reds, pinks, crimson, burgundy, lilac, and greens. Some variants may have spotting on petals and throat, and the colours can vary within the season.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Cymbidium orchids are typically available from autumn to winter and up until mid-spring in Australia. Imported blooms might extend this availability period.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Given their wide colour range and elegant appearance, Cymbidium orchids are popular choices for weddings and events, especially during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, Cymbidium orchids are commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: Cymbidium orchids are also imported to extend the availability and variety in Australia.
Buying Tips: When purchasing Cymbidium orchids, look for spikes with at least two open flowers or choose individual flowers that are fully open. Ensure the blooms are clean and undamaged. Be mindful of older or pollinated blooms as they may have a darkened throat.
Design Tips and Advice: Cymbidium orchids are versatile and can serve as either focal or supporting elements in floral arrangements. They can be arranged singly or on the flowering spike in a variety of small and large arrangements. Glass vases are recommended due to their transparency, making it easy to monitor water levels. Individual blooms may also be wired for inclusion in wedding bouquets and accessories. They pair well with both traditional and wildflowers in modern, traditional, and contemporary designs. They are ideal for corporate arrangements due to their lengthy vase life.
Flower Maturity: Select blooms that are in the right stage of openness for your intended use.
Expected Vase Life: With proper care, Cymbidium orchids can last between 2 to 4 weeks in a vase.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Cymbidium orchids typically range from 40–60 cm, with individual blooms being 5–7 cm. Mini variants have stem lengths of 40–50 cm and blooms of 3–5 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: Information on the typical bunch size is not provided, but Cymbidiums are often sold as single blooms or on flowering spikes with up to 15 blooms.
Floral Preservatives: Yes, using a floral preservative is recommended.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Cymbidium orchids have variable sensitivity to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Maintain cool storage conditions at 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Avoid chilling injury and ethylene damage, which can manifest as translucent or dried patches on petals and sepals, or as darkening of the lip and column. Wilted blooms may be rehydrated by recutting stems and placing in warm or room-temperature water, though wilting caused by ethylene damage cannot be reversed.
Orchid Species - Special Care: Cymbidium orchids require specific care as an orchid species. They prefer cooler temperatures and indirect light. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. After flowering, they should be placed in a shady outdoor position during summer and a warm position in autumn to encourage reflowering the following year.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Ensure that Cymbidium orchids are stored at the recommended cool temperature to maintain freshness.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Ensure stems are recut and placed in fresh water with flower food added as soon as possible after purchase.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Be mindful of the orchid's variable sensitivity to ethylene and take steps to mitigate exposure.