Commonly known as the King of Orchids, these plants are prized for their large sprays of fragrant flowers found in a multitude of colors. These blooms can last 1 to 3 months. Culture is relatively the same for both types of Cymbidiums - Standards and Miniatures. Miniatures can bloom earlier and tolerate warmer climates. These cultural requirements apply to Cymbidiums grown here in the upper midwest.

LIGHT

During the outdoor growing period (May - September) Cymbidiums require a fairly high amount of light. Place them in an area that will receive good morning sun and/or late afternoon sun. Avoid the mid-day sun. Provide as much light as possible without sunburning. An outer edge of a tree canopy, east or north side of a building are ideal spots to summer a Cymbidium. Indoors, find your brightest, but coolest area. (i.e. south or west) During flowering, keep from direct sun to prolong blooms. When flowers have expired cut off the entire flower spike.

TEMPERATURE

Temperature is the most crucial factor in the blooming of Cymbidiums. Therefore it is essential to grow them outdoors, May - September, where day temps are 65° - 85° (or more) and nights are 45° - 60° (or less). For flower induction we recommend to leave your Cymbidium outdoors until the threat of frost (35°) persists. These cool fall nights are the key to producing flower spikes. When plants are back indoors (Oct. - May) they prefer 65° - 75° days and 55° nights.

HUMIDITY

Outdoors, during dry conditions, hosing of leaves is beneficial. Indoors maintain 40 - 60% humidity especially while plants are budding. This can be achieved by grouping plants together and/or placing them on a Humidity Tray.

WATER

Watering is dictated by environment and by how "root-bound" or crowded the pot is. While outdoors Cymbidiums) like to be kept evenly moist - not soggy and never left dry. Water 2 - 3 times a week during hot, sunny, windy days to once every 7 to 10 days during cool, damp, dark days. During periods of extended rain, shelter plant to avoid "over-watering". Indoors keep evenly moist, watering every 5 - 10 days. Take your plant to the sink, water thoroughly (water runs freely from the pot), drain well. NEVER ALLOW THE POT TO STAND IN WATER!

FERTILIZER

For health and vigor use 30-10-10 February - July. Dilute 1 tsp. per gallon of water and apply every third watering. Start using Blossom Booster 10-50-10 in August, mixed and applied as above. Continue until spikes are apparent or January.

Note: Mix your fertilizer ahead and store in a plastic container that can be labeled and capped (such as a used gallon milk jug). This ensures the solution is thoroughly diluted, at room temp. and is convenient to use.

REPOTTING

Mature plants are potted every 2 to 3 years in spring, after flowering. Remove what old medium you can without disturbing too much of the roots. If dividing is desired, a division must have 3 to 4 green bulbs with leaves. One or two bulbs without leaves, that are solid can remain with the division. Select a pot for 2 years of growth and use a fir bark type orchid mix. Spread the roots over a handful of moistened medium in the bottom of the pot and then fill the pot working medium among the roots, pack in firmly. The junction of root and bulb should be buried ½" - 1" below the mix. Keep plants away from direct sun and keep roots slightly drier for 3 - 4 weeks - this encourages new root growth.

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