Growing Cymbidium Orchids: An Australian Guide

how to grow cymbidium orchids in australia

Cymbidium orchids are easy to grow in most parts of Australia. They are grown for their flamboyant and colourful flowers, which can last up to three months. Cymbidiums are most commonly grown in pots with a specialist orchid potting mix that ensures fast drainage. They can also be grown outdoors in the ground, provided they have excellent drainage and are protected from the strong summer sun. Fertilising regularly with a dedicated orchid fertiliser will help produce many more flower spikes. Watering is also important, with cymbidiums needing to be watered around 2-3 times a week during active growth, reducing to once a week in autumn and winter.

Characteristics Values
Light Lots of light but not harsh, hot sunlight. Gentle winter sunlight is preferred.
Climate Cymbidium orchids will grow in most mainland capital cities and coastal districts. They will not tolerate cold night temperatures.
Soil Cymbidiums are usually grown in pots with a specialist orchid potting mix with good drainage. The mix is made up of pine bark, peat, coarse sand, and polystyrene.
Watering Water 2-3 times a week during active spring growth, reducing this to once a week in autumn and winter.
Fertilizer Orchid fertiliser diluted according to packet instructions. Dolomite Lime can be added to the potting mix in early spring.
Pests Prone to mites, mealybugs, sooty mould, caterpillars, grasshoppers, snails, and slugs.
Height Species vary widely, ranging from 12-30 inches (30-75 cm).
Blooms Flowers are available in pink, white, red, yellow, orange, apricot, brown, burgundy, green, and cream.

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Cymbidium orchids thrive in pots with specialist orchid potting mix and good drainage

Cymbidium orchids are a delight to the senses with their flamboyant and colourful flowers and are one of the easiest orchids to grow. They are native to Asia and northern Australia and thrive in most mainland capital cities and coastal districts. They are not fussy and can be grown outdoors in the garden or in pots.

When it comes to potting, Cymbidium orchids thrive in pots with specialist orchid potting mix and good drainage. They are most commonly grown in pots and perform extremely well. Orchid potting mix is predominantly made up of large chips of bark, ensuring very fast drainage within the pot. Cymbidiums, like most orchids, do not like sitting in water. The potting mix should be kept moist, and they need to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather.

Cymbidium orchids can be grown directly in the ground, but they must have excellent drainage. If you are unsure, it is better to stick to pot cultivation to avoid the risk of the plant rotting. The ideal depth for the orchid mix is at least 30 cm or 12 inches. The best time for repotting cymbidium orchids is in summer, after they stop blooming.

The potting mix for Cymbidium orchids can be enhanced with additional ingredients. Fine pine bark can be mixed in with the orchid mix for even better results. A sprinkling of Dolomite Lime added to the potting mix in early spring gives your Cymbidium Orchid a boost by adding a little alkalinity to their growing mix.

Cymbidium orchids grown in pots can be easily moved to maintain the right light levels as the seasons change. They want lots of light but not harsh, hot sunlight. They will enjoy gentle winter sunlight but need protection from the strong summer sun. A southeast- or east-facing window is ideal for indoor plants.

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They need lots of light, but not harsh, hot sunlight

Cymbidium orchids need lots of light to flower, but direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, turning them yellow, and burn the plant. In summer, when the sun is strongest, it is important to keep cymbidium orchids shaded from hot, direct sun. A few hours of morning sunlight paired with shady afternoons are ideal. A southeast- or east-facing window is perfect if you are growing your orchids indoors. In winter, when the light is gentler, the orchids can be exposed to more light, and some direct sun is fine.

The amount of light cymbidium orchids receive will also affect their colour. With insufficient light, the leaves will be a dark green, and the plant will not flower. Orchids with plenty of light will have apple-green leaves and will flower in winter and early spring.

If you are growing cymbidium orchids outdoors, dappled shade under a deciduous tree is ideal. In autumn and winter, expose the orchids to more light to encourage bud formation.

If you are growing cymbidium orchids indoors, you can adjust the amount of light the plant receives by moving it to different locations around the house.

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Feed regularly with orchid fertiliser and water frequently during the growing season

Cymbidium orchids require regular feeding with orchid fertiliser and frequent watering during the growing season. This is essential for the plant's health and flowering. The best results are achieved by using a dedicated orchid fertiliser, such as Nitrosol and Aquasol, which are available at most nurseries. Yates Thrive Orchid Liquid Plant Food is another fertiliser that can be applied every 2-4 weeks.

For liquid fertilisers, weekly feeding during the summer is recommended, tapering off to irregular applications in the winter. It is important not to exceed the dosage rate recommended by the manufacturer, and lower rates (50% reduced) applied regularly can produce excellent results. Cymbidium orchids benefit from being fed regularly and will produce more flower spikes. A combination of OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro applied every 2-3 weeks can result in healthy orchids.

Watering is crucial for Cymbidium orchids, and they need to be kept moist and humid at all times. During active spring growth, it is recommended to water 2-3 times a week, reducing this to once a week in autumn and winter. If the orchids dry out for an extended period, they may survive, but they will not flower. It is vital to water them when they are in flower to ensure the blooms last. Remember to water the potting mix and not the flowers.

Cymbidium orchids thrive in moderate climates and require at least 50% light. They do well outdoors under trees, such as gums, where they receive filtered light to moderate shade. However, they should not be placed in dense shade or direct sunlight, as this can damage the foliage. Proper air movement is crucial to reducing fungal and bacterial issues and preventing pest infestations.

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They are easy to grow indoors and make great houseplants

Cymbidium orchids are easy to grow indoors and make great houseplants. They are native to Asia and northern Australia and are well-suited to the climate in most capital cities. They can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, but they require excellent drainage as they don't like having "wet feet".

When growing cymbidium orchids indoors, it is important to provide them with plenty of light, but not harsh, hot sunlight. A southeast- or east-facing window is ideal as it will provide dappled sunlight and protect the plant from the strong summer sun. The leaves should appear apple green instead of dark green; if they are dark green, it means they are not getting enough light.

Cymbidium orchids also require regular fertilisation to produce an abundance of flowers. Use a dedicated orchid fertiliser and dilute it according to the directions on the packet. Fertilise every two to three weeks during the growing season, which is spring, summer, and fall. Reduce watering during the winter bloom, but do not let the plant completely dry out.

Cymbidium orchids also prefer a humid environment. If the relative humidity drops below 50%, use a humidity tray or room humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. Grouping plants together can also help maintain humidity. Additionally, ensure your cymbidium orchid has good air circulation to prevent fungus.

Overall, cymbidium orchids are a great choice for indoor gardening as they are adaptable and thrive with the right amount of light, water, fertiliser, and humidity.

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Cymbidiums are native to Asia and northern Australia and will grow in most mainland capital cities

Cymbidium orchids are native to Asia and northern Australia and will grow in most mainland capital cities and coastal districts. They are one of the biggest, boldest epiphytic orchids in Australia. They are also found in India, Nepal, Burma, Northern Thailand, Vietnam, and southern China. In Australia, they are commonly found in moister environments such as rainforests, swamp forests, she-oak groves, and open forests.

Cymbidiums are easy to grow in most parts of Australia. They are commonly grown in pots with cymbidium potting mix in a shaded area in the garden or a shade house. They can also be grown directly in the ground, provided they have excellent drainage. The potting mix is made up of pine bark, peat, coarse sand, and polystyrene. Mix in more fine pine bark for better results. Cymbidiums like lots of light but not harsh, hot sunlight. They enjoy gentle winter sunlight but need protection from the strong summer sun.

Cymbidiums benefit from being fed regularly. Use a dedicated orchid fertiliser and dilute it according to the packet instructions. Apply a combination of OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro every 2-3 weeks for healthy orchids. Watering is also important for Cymbidiums. Water 2-3 times a week during active spring growth, reducing this to once a week in autumn and winter. If they dry out for long periods, they will survive but will not flower.

Cymbidiums are commonly grown from bulbs and have erect, fleshy leaves. They usually bud in winter and flower from May through August and September, producing stunning long-lasting flowers. Some orchids are capable of producing up to four flower spikes from each bulb.

Frequently asked questions

Cymbidium orchids can be grown outdoors in most mainland capital cities and coastal districts of Australia. They thrive in bright, indirect light and should be shaded from hot, direct sun in summer. They can also be grown as houseplants, in which case they should be placed near a southeast- or east-facing window.

Cymbidium orchids should be planted in a rich, loose, organic potting mixture that drains well. The soil should be kept evenly moist from spring through summer, and you should avoid letting the plant dry out completely during the winter.

Cymbidium orchids should be fertilised regularly during their growing season, which is typically from late August through to around December. You can use a dedicated orchid fertiliser, diluted according to the packet's instructions, or a combination of OCP eco-seaweed and OCP eco-aminogro every 2-3 weeks.

Yes, Cymbidium orchids love humidity and will benefit from being placed on a water-filled tray of pebbles to increase moisture in the air. They also need cool temperatures to trigger flower buds, so ensure they are not exposed to hot, direct sunlight for extended periods.

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