All About Cymbidium Orchid – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

There are more than 25,000 species and types of Orchids all around the world and one of those is Cymbidium Orchid. It is known as Boat Orchid with a scientific name of Cymbidium from the Orchidaceae family. This flower type comes in every color except for one, blue. They are terrestrials and they can thrive well in fine fir bark mix or in a potting mix. They come in beautiful colors and patterns and they are so easy to take care indoor or outdoor.

Cymbidium Orchids are cold tolerant. They bloom well in winter and spring season. The genus cymbidium, in its 44 species, is mostly native of subtropical and tropical regions of Asia from the countries of China and Japan to Malaysia, Philippines, India, Borneo, and even to parts of Australia.

The waxy but thick flowers of this orchid come with five pointed petals. They can last long cut or uncut. Some of the species can last the blooms for up to six months while some have buds remained open up to three months. The wide array of colors available for this orchid makes it a wonderful addition to home decorations, weekly flower for office decorations, and flower arrangements.

• History of Cymbidium Orchid

Cultivated thousands of years ago in ancient China, Cymbidium Orchid has the largest variety of flowers and the most number of species in the Orchids family. Most of the species originated from the Himalayas Mountain and from the forests of Himalayas. Some of the Asiatic Cymbidium came from China, Japan, and Korea. It became one of the most popular flowers in Europe during the Victorian period. Confucius even mentioned it in his writing as the King of Fragrance.

Hybrid types are also in large abundance. Most of the important hybrids of this Orchid type were produced in Europe. It became the hobby of the people from the upper class. There were hybrids popularized in some parts of California, too, and in Australia and Netherlands.

• Cymbidium Orchid Meaning

The Greek word “orchis” which means testicles, was the origin of the name Orchids. It was the flower associated to sexuality throughout different cultures in the world. Moreover, there are more meanings associated with Orchids in its thousands of species. The Cymbidium Orchid is a symbolism of morality, virtue, beauty, refinement, and love. To give and to receive the gift of Cymbidium Orchid flower arrangement is such an honor. In fact, it has been considered throughout time in Asia as a gift of respect.

• Cymbidium Orchid Facts

The most appealing characteristic of Cymbidium Orchids is that they can survive winter season and cold temperatures. They bloom once a year most commonly in spring and winter time. The blooms can last from one month up to six months depending on types and hybrids.

The two main groups on which Cymbidium Orchid is divided are Standard Cymbidiums, which are the large-flowered ones, and Miniature Cymbidiums, the small-flowered ones. There are three types of bulbs this orchid has: old black bulbs without leaves, which reserve its food supplies to be used on emergency, old bulbs with leaves, which support new growth that may produce flowers, and new leads or bulbs, where new flowers grow from.

It is interesting to know that with all the species under Cymbidium family, they come in different colors and patterns and sizes. This is the reason why many people, especially cultivars and hybridizers love to collect and create new hybrids. The flowers are not only beautiful and magnificent but they also have the healing effects and the properties to fight disease and protect the immune system of man.

• Care for Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchids are easy to grow and care indoors and outdoors because they can grow on barks of the trees and on standard potting mix provided that the soil is well-drained and no water sits on the pots. The plant can be placed in a spot where it gets the sunlight but not full exposure under the sun for long hours. It needs fresh air and it needs shade during the day.

Expert flower delivery recommed repotting can be done after every two years. Exhausted branches should be cut off to allow new bulbs to grow and produce more branches. The roots should be teased apart so that it will be easier to remove dead roots and old potting mix. A larger pot is best if you want to have more flowers in the next two years. If there are roots sticking out of its pot, do not cut them off, instead, allow them to grow. Watering should be done regularly but you have to pour off any excessive water from the pot to prevent the roots from rotting. Fertilizers may be given each month during the summer season.

On the other hand, this type of flower does not prefer artificial heating and hot room temperature. It is best to have the plant outdoor when it is summer and spring under shaded spots to grow well. During winter time, you can put the plant indoor or have t covered with snow protector or covering. It is beneficial for the plant to be in bright light at daytime and cool temperature at nighttime.

During flowering season, the plant can have its blooms for six weeks to three or four months or longer. After flowering, at least a month the last flower dies, it is best to remove the spikes to allow full growing and flowering cycle. When you do this, you can expect beautiful blooms each year.