Leslie Massey
Cymbidium orchids are native to Northern India and Southeast Asia, but they can also be found in Australia, where they are relatively easy to grow. They are known for their stunning and unique flowers, which come in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, orange, burgundy, pink, brown, and green. In this guide, we will explore the key aspects of caring for cymbidium orchids in Australia, including light, temperature, soil, fertilisation, pest control, and repotting. By following these simple steps, you can successfully grow and maintain beautiful and healthy cymbidium orchids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Cymbidium orchids are native to Northern India, South East Asia, and Australia. They grow outdoors in moderate climates and require protection from the strong summer sun. |
| Light | These orchids require at least 50% light but not direct sunlight, which can burn their foliage. Dappled sunlight or filtered light to moderate shade is ideal. |
| Temperature | Cymbidiums are resilient and can tolerate temperatures from 0°C to 40°C for short periods. They flower best with a marked difference (>10°C) between daytime and nighttime temperatures. |
| Watering | Regular watering is necessary, especially in warm to hot seasons. Reduce watering in winter as they dislike cold, wet roots. |
| Soil and Pots | Use a specialised orchid potting mix with excellent drainage. Keep pots off the ground to assist with air circulation and drainage and prevent pests. Repot every 3-4 years or when the plant grows over the side of the pot. |
| Feeding and Fertilising | Feed regularly with a combination of OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro or Searles Flourish Orchid Booster and SeaMax Organic Fertiliser for healthy growth and more flower spikes. Apply a well-balanced slow-release fertilizer during winter. |
| Pests | Prone to pests like mealybugs, scale, snails, slugs, thrips, red spider, red spider mites, and caterpillars. Use Searles Pest Gun, OCP eco-oil, or OCP eco-shield pellets for control. |
| Flowers | Flowers appear in late winter to early spring and can be multi-coloured, including shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, and green. Flower spikes last about 6-7 weeks and make for long-lasting cut flowers. |
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What You'll Learn
Light and temperature requirements
Light is probably the most critical factor when it comes to cymbidium orchids. They require at least 50% light and will not flower if they do not receive enough light. They will do well outdoors under trees, such as gum trees, where there is filtered light to moderate shade. They need lots of light but not harsh, hot sunlight. Avoid placing them in dense shade or beside walls that restrict the light. Direct sunlight will burn their foliage. Dappled shade under a deciduous tree is ideal.
Cymbidium orchids are quite resilient and can tolerate temperatures from 0°C to 40°C for short periods. They are native to higher altitudes in Asia, down through South East Asia and extend down, at lower altitudes, into Australia. They grow in moderate climates similar to those in which humans feel most comfortable. The cycle of cool nights and warm days during spring and into early summer is important for flower spike formation. Warmer weather in the summer enhances the growth of the plant and the development of the flower spikes for the next flowering season (early winter to late spring). Orchids flower best when they experience a marked (at least 10°C) difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. If frosts are expected, plants should be moved undercover. If the air is moist and there is some movement, the foliage usually won’t freeze, but the softer flowers may suffer damage if exposed.
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Pest control
Cymbidium orchids are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, but with proper care and ideal light levels, these issues can usually be avoided.
To prevent pest infestations, it is important to maintain good air circulation and drainage. Keep pots off the ground to improve air circulation and prevent snails and slugs from breaking down the potting mix or eating the plant. Overcrowding can also make it harder to control pest problems, so divide your cymbidium orchids every 3 years.
Common pests that affect cymbidium orchids include snails, slugs, orchid beetles, two-spotted mites, mealybugs, scales, and thrips or red spider. Snails and slugs can be removed by hand or controlled with pellets. Orchid beetles, which are small orange and black insects, should also be searched for and removed. Mealybugs and scales can be controlled with Searles Pest Gun or OCP eco-oil, while other pests can usually be treated with EarthCare Enviro Pest Oil insect spray.
Fungicide your orchids every 4-6 weeks with Searles Mancozeb to check for fungus and prevent fungal issues. If an outbreak of mites, mealybugs, or sooty mould occurs, spray your orchids thoroughly with a mixture of OCP eco-oil and water. For more serious infestations of caterpillars or grasshoppers, use OCP eco-neem.
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Feeding and fertilising
Cymbidium orchids are native to Northern India, South East Asia, and Australia. They are easy to grow and care for, but they require regular feeding and fertilising to ensure healthy growth and flowering. Here are some detailed tips for feeding and fertilising your cymbidium orchids:
Feeding
Cymbidium orchids are epiphytic, which means they derive their moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. In their natural habitat, they grow on tree branches, where they receive ample water and nutrients from decaying organic matter. In a domestic setting, it is essential to mimic these conditions by providing adequate water and nutrients.
Water your cymbidium orchids regularly, especially during warm to hot seasons, to keep the plant hydrated and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. Feed your orchids with a balanced liquid fertiliser like Searles Flourish Orchid Booster and SeaMax Organic Fertiliser. These fertilisers provide essential nutrients to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Fertilising
Fertilising your cymbidium orchids is crucial for their health and flowering. Apply a well-balanced, slow-release fertiliser during the winter months to provide a consistent source of nutrients. You can also use specialised orchid fertilisers, such as pellets or liquid fertilisers, to boost their growth and flowering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and methods.
For exceptional results, consider using OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro as recommended by commercial orchid growers. Apply this combination every 2-3 weeks to promote the growth of healthy orchids. If using it as a foliage spray, add OCP eco-oil to help the solution adhere better to the leaves. This treatment also helps reduce pest and disease problems.
Additionally, keep an eye out for common pests such as snails and slugs, which can damage flower spikes and buds. Apply OCP eco-shield pellets when these parts of the plant are forming to protect them from harm.
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Repotting and dividing
Repotting cymbidium orchids is a simple process, but it should be done with care to ensure the plant's health and encourage growth. Repotting is typically done in spring or autumn, but some growers prefer to do it in March or October/November, when the orchids are growing fastest and can better withstand the repotting process.
When repotting, it is important to use a pot that is large enough to accommodate at least two years' worth of new growth. This will give the plant room to grow and prevent the need for frequent repotting. The pot should have good drainage, and it is recommended to use a simple black plastic pot, which is cheap and easy to work with.
To begin the repotting process, knock the plant out of its old pot. If the rootball is not thoroughly bound up, simply place it in the new, larger pot with a few handfuls of new potting mix at the bottom. If the plant is tightly bound, you may need to remove some of the existing roots or tease them out to encourage growth into the new potting mix. It is also advisable to remove any leafless backbulbs, as these can be a source of rot and hinder the plant's progress. If the plant needs to be divided, cut the rhizome connecting the growths with a sterile knife or tear the bits apart.
After repotting, place the plant in a cool, shady, protected area for about two weeks before returning it to its normal growing location. Feed with a fertiliser to encourage root growth and healthy development.
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Watering
Cymbidium orchids are resilient and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 0°C to 40°C for short periods. However, they prefer a temperature difference of at least 10°C between daytime and nighttime. They thrive in moderate climates, similar to those comfortable for humans.
When it comes to watering your cymbidium orchids, it is important to keep the plants moist during the growing and flowering seasons, which typically occur in spring and early summer. However, it is crucial to reduce watering during the winter as they dislike having cold, wet roots. Cymbidium orchids do not like having "wet feet", so ensure that the soil or potting mix drains well.
The best way to achieve good drainage is to use a specialised orchid potting mix, which is made up of large chips of bark, ensuring fast drainage within the pot. If you choose to grow your orchids in the ground, be sure to provide excellent drainage by planting in a raised mound above the natural soil level. Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and pack orchid mix around it to create a gently sloping mound.
Keep the flowers dry when they emerge to prevent bruising. Cymbidium orchids typically flower in late winter to early spring, and the flower spikes can last for about six to seven weeks. They will need about two to three years to mature before flowering.
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Frequently asked questions
Cymbidium orchids require at least 50% light and lots of air movement to prevent fungi and bacterial problems. They thrive in dappled sunlight but not harsh, hot sunlight.
Cymbidium orchids should be potted in a specialty orchid mix, which is made up of large chips of bark to ensure fast drainage.
Watering should be regular, particularly during the warm to hot seasons. However, cymbidiums dislike having wet roots, so reduce watering in winter.
Pests such as mealybugs, red spider mites, and snails can be controlled with products like Searles Pest Gun and OCP eco-shield pellets.
