Cymbidium Orchid Care

One of the most adorably popular houseplants in tropical and subtropical Asia, the cymbidium orchid can be ascribed to be a kind or genus of about 52 species of orchids. 'Boat orchid' is the other name for it. The flower is known for its showy flowers, which are extensively used in bouquets and corsages. The blooms can range from shades of pink, red, white, cream, brown, yellowish-green, light green to yellow. No wonder the cymbidium orchid is such a big hit in wedding decorations. These orchids can grow up to a height of 90 cm, and depending upon the species, each flower can attain a diameter of 5 - 10 cm. Winter is the time for the orchids to bloom, and a single plant can bear over 15 flowers. The blooms have a life span of 10 weeks, which roughly comes to about two and a half months. I suppose that would be enough for the introduction.

How To Maintain and Take Care of Cymbidium Orchid

Know that caring for a cymbidium orchid does not come easy for an average home, and especially for a novice. However, nothing comes easy in the beginning. Nevertheless, the instructions are as follows:

• Starting off with the humidity levels, the plant prefers a high humid environment. So to give what the plant desires, what you can do is get a tray of pebbles covered in water. And place the pot on this tray. Also, the bottom of the plant must not sit in water, and the potting mix must not dry out. When these two things are taken care off, your plant will grow beautifully.
• Watering is what that distinguishes a healthy orchid from a non-healthy one. So you have to be careful with this. The thumb rule is keep the medium moist, but not soggy. So how would you know about when to water and when not? Dig in your finger in the soil about an inch deep, and take out some soil. Try to make a ball out of it. If you are able to, then you need not water, otherwise, consider it to be watering time.
• The next important aspect is about the lighting. This type of orchid is adapted to most light conditions. After the plant has bloomed, place the plant where it can enjoy bright sunlight. This is required when the plant is in its growing cycle. However, prolonged exposure to the sun may damage the plant. So experts recommend to place the plant under sunlight for a few hours, and then under shade for a few hours. 60 degrees F is the ideal temperature that is required during the day time, and at night 55 degrees F.
• Coming to the use of fertilizer, experts discourage their use for this orchid care and maintenance during its blooming cycle, as it might hamper its growth. However, if any need arises, then use a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium mixture of 20-20-20 to feed the plant.
• Another important aspect is about the type of medium required for its growth. Know that, this orchid does not grow in just any kind of traditional potting soil. The medium must contain orchid peat moss, bark compost and what is known as the osmunda fiber. However, if you find it difficult to get all these stuffs, you can go for commercial grade orchid mixes.
• And my final tip would be on repotting. It is always important to sterilize tools before repotting the plant. This is to avoid transmitting any type of bacterial and fungal infections from an infected plant to a healthy one.

So you can be infer from the above instructions that taking care of a cymbidium orchid is not a piece of cake, given its specific requirements for the medium, watering, temperature and fertilizer. But then, if you are well-versed with all these tips, and understand the plant's needs, then things will get easier.