Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Cymbidium or Boat orchid

The genus Cymbidium, family Orchidaceae, includes about 50 species (and numerous hybrids) of orchids native to tropical regions of Asia and Australia. Some species are: Cymbidium floribundum, Cymbidium bicolor, Cymbidium tigrinum, Cymbidium eburneum, Cymbidium chloranthum.

Common name: Boat orchid.

They are elegant orchids that can reach 70 cm (2.29 feet) in height; there are miniature varieties. The tapered leaves are curved and deep green in color. The very showy flowers appear on long flower stalks and can be of a wide variety of colors (depending on the variety). They usually bloom in winter but can do so in other seasons.

They are used as houseplants, as greenhouse plants and as cut flowers (lasts up to a month). In summer they can be used as terrace, balcony and terrace plants.

The Cymbidium orchid needs a dim light or full sun exposure early in the day. A period of rest in autumn at 13-16 ºC (55-61 ºF) is recommended. They do not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial substrate for orchids made from pine bark, sphagnum peat, and charcoal or perlite.

Water regularly with lime-free water so that the substrate remains damp but not waterlogged; in winter reduce watering. The humidity must be at least 40%: place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot and periodically spray the leaves with lime-free water.

They do not need fertilizers.

They are not usually attacked by pests and diseases if they have good ventilation.

They are propagated by separation of the pseudobulbs that the mother plant develops.

Images of the indoor plant Cymbidium or Boat orchid