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These orchids are prized for their sprays of large flowers,
used especially as cut flowers or for corsages in the spring.
There are two main types of cymbidiums, standard and miniatures.
The miniatures are recommended for warm areas and indoor home
culture. The standard varieties need cool growing conditions,
such as a cool greenhouse or sun porch with winter night temperatures
in the fifty (50) degree range.
Cymbidiums are high light orchids that must be protected
from direct noon day sun with a 20% shade cover. They are
best located outdoors in the summer months with filtered sunlight.
When the night temperatures fall into the forty (40) degree
range they should be relocated to a cool indoor growing area
with day temperatures about 60F to 65F degrees and the night
temperatures as low as 45F to 50F.
If you are growing your cymbidium plant outdoors in the hydroculture
system you will need to drill a side wall hole in the outer
pot about one inch up from the bottom. This hole will create
the overflow drainage in case of a heavy rain. When you relocate
the plant to its winter indoor location you may plug the hole
with silicone.
Miniature cymbidium orchids grow very well indoors with about
four (4) to six (6) hours of sun a day. The ideal location
is a south to southeast facing window.
Growing your orchid in a hydroponic planter takes all the
guess work out of when to water and how much. Water only when
there is no water left in the outside pot. It is all right
to leave your orchid dry for a day before watering.
Mix the nutrient solution as per packet directions. You may
store the nutrient in a gallon plastic bottle to be used whenever
it is time to water your plant. It is best to keep it at room
temperature and out of direct sunlight.
Pour the nutrient slowly into the clay pebbles next to the
water level indicator. Water until the indicator reads about
half way between the "min" and "opt" level.
Always be sure there is no water in the outside pot before
watering again.
Once a month separate the culture pot from the outer pot
and run tepid water through the clay pebbles and over the
foliage to remove any dust and mineral salts that will accumulate
in the root zone. Return the culture pot to the outer pot.
Do not water until the follow day to provide maximum oxygen
to the root zone.