Cymbidium Orchids: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivation & Beauty

Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchid

The 70 plus species of Cymbidium come from Asia. The generic name comes from the Greek, “kymbe; boat-shaped cup,” and refers to the shape of the lip. The tremendous number of hybrids provide a beautiful range of color around the calendar.

Cymbidium Orchid

The Cymbidium orchids, most of which are terrestrial, have large pseudobulbs and thin ribbonlike leaves. The flower sprays bear large numbers of long lasting flowers. The standard size plants have thirty-six inch leaves and take up a lot of room. They are hard to grow indoors and in areas with warm night temperatures. They need very bright light and cold nights. The miniature plants have ten to twenty-four inch leaves. They are easier to grow indoors and can tolerate less light and warmer night temperatures than the standards.

Cymbidiums need even moisture and excellent drainage. Do not overpot. Cymbidiums are one of the best known and most used orchids. Cymbidiums have a number of devoted fans, who have formed the Cymbidium Society of America.

Orchid Types

Anguloa Uniflora OrchidLycaste OrchidAnota violacea, Rhynchostylis violacea OrchidMaxillaria Houtteana Orchid
Ascocentrum Curvifolium Orchid
Miltonia Orchid
Brassavola Orchid
Odontoglossum Orchid
Bulbophyllum Lobbii Orchid
Oncidium Orchid
Cattleya Orchid
Paphiopedilum Orchid
Chysis Laevis Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Cycnoches Loddigesii Orchid
Pleurothallis Orchid
Cymbidum Orchid
Renanthera Brookie Chandler Orchid
Dendrobium Orchid
Rhynchostylis Coelestis Orchid
Doritis Orchid
Rodriguezia Secunda Orchid
Epidendrum Orchid
Sophronitella Violacea Orchid
Laelia Orchid
Stanhopea Orchid
Lokhartia Oerstedii Orchid

Vanda Orchid

Learn how to grow orchids:

• Orchid Vocabulary
• Temperature Requirements of Orchids
• Light Requirements of Orchids
• Watering Orchids
• Potting Orchids
• Fertilizing Orchids
• Orchid Care
• Propagating Orchids
• Types of Orchids
• House Plants
• Gardening