Cymbidium care guide
Cymbidium
Also known as: Cymbidium orchid, Boat orchid
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Cymbidium
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Outdoors from spring to fall it grows strongly and drinks a lot: water thoroughly once the surface of the medium dries, as a guide, which can mean daily in midsummer.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- Drying slows as it cools, so about every three to five days once the surface dries is the guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Once indoors, water sparingly, about every seven to ten days after the medium dries, on a mild morning.
Light and placement for Cymbidium
From spring to fall keep it in full sun outdoors, as a guide, with 30 to 50 percent shade only in midsummer; in winter use a bright window, since too little light means no spikes.
Overwintering Cymbidium
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
Fairly cold-tolerant: leaving it outdoors in fall until nights approach about 5°C encourages spikes, then a bright room above 5°C and away from heaters is the guide.
Fertilizing and repotting Cymbidium
Fertilizer
Place slow-release fertilizer from April to June and add liquid feed about every one to two weeks until September; none from fall onward.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Cymbidium
- Kept indoors all year it lacks light and does not flower.
- Leaving every new shoot crowds the plant and the bulbs stay thin.
- Overwatering in winter damages the roots.
Tips for growing Cymbidium
- Thinning new shoots to one or two per bulb in May or June builds a stronger plant.
- Stake the spike as it grows and keep the plant cool while in bloom for longer flowers.
- Every two or three years, repot in spring with fresh medium.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
