Taking Care Of Your Cymbidium Orchid Plants
Cymbidium orchid plants are among the more popular orchid species for cultivation. They are also frequently used in large cut flower arrangements, such as those used at weddings or funerals. Most individuals interested in growing orchid plants are typically interested in growing orchid plants for their beautiful flowers.
Some of the most common issues with cymbidium orchid care include poor soil quality, too much water, too little sunlight, and poor nutrition. All three of these contributing factors can result in poor growth and blooming. Below we examine each of these factors so that you can better understand how to best handle them.
Poor soil quality is one of the easiest reasons for poor cymbidium orchid care. It is common for sandy or well-oxic soils to be planted in flower gardens. This results in excessive evaporation of moisture from the soil, which stunts growth. For cymbidium orchid plants, the ideal soil conditions are neither too dry nor too moist. The ideal day and nighttime temperatures for growth are eighty degrees Fahrenheit and ninety-five percent humidity.
The amount of water your orchid flower requires will depend on what plant you are growing. Typically, you will need approximately one inch of water per pound of soil for successful growing. Your soil mix should not be sandy, rich, or full of clay. Excessive clay or heavy clay will result in water logging your garden which can stunt your orchid’s growth.
Nighttime temperatures need to be kept at about seventy degrees Fahrenheit during the daylight hours. This will ensure that your orchids have adequate humidity to ward off insects during the night hours. The daytime temperatures should remain around eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Cymbidium orchid plants should be fed a light feeding once or twice per week, or you can provide your plant with a sugar-water spray at night. You can provide a fertilizer after the third week of blooming if you prefer a more natural looking fertilizer.
Shade is another important factor to consider for successful growing of cymbidium orchid plants. If you plant your flower garden in full sun, you will need to water the leaves daily to keep them hydrated. They will also become overripe, resulting in fewer blooms. To prevent this from happening, plant your orchid plants in shaded areas during the day and in deeper shade or container plants during the night.
The final consideration for healthy cymbidium flowers is the season in which they bloom. If you plant your orchids during the warm months they will likely not bloom until the winter. This can make winter a very long season for you. You should plan ahead and place your orchid flowers carefully so they will bloom well into the winter. To ensure your flowers will bloom for a long time, fertilize them in the fall.
With these considerations in mind, you will find planning an attractive garden for your orchid much easier. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of your orchids all year round instead of just in the spring and summer months. If you are using mulch, be sure to apply it before the first frost and to always mulch the tops of the leaves. If you do not cover the leaves, the roots may freeze and then die. A beautiful garden full of healthy blooming orchids is one that has adequate drainage.
If you are planting in containers, there are specific types of soil mixes that will work for your plants. Many orchid growers recommend mixes with organic matter and a bit of coarse sand to help keep the roots from being too saturated when they are planted. Other types of soil mix work well with clay, silt, gravel or sand. Be sure to add plenty of fertilizer, depending on the size of your container.
Cymbidium orchids can sometimes be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. Be sure to research the exact temperatures you will be using for your particular plant. It is also important to make sure your temperature is controlled, especially during the summer. When growing indoors, you can control the temperature with the windows or doors to keep mild temperatures from affecting your plant.
When you have successfully grown your orchids from seeds indoors, you should be able to take them outside to bloom, but remember that you need to keep them well-groomed. There are many different types of fertilizer available to help your plants grow, including organic fertilizers and sugar to feed the blooms. You should be careful not to use too much fertilizer, as this could cause the roots of your plants to become bare and exposed to the elements. However, by carefully caring for your plants, you will be able to enjoy them for many years, until they flower again!