Overview
Cymbidium Sw. is a genus of about fifty-three orchid species and is part of the Orchidaceae family. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Australia, and the Himalayas. In the wild, Cymbidium Sw. grows on rocks, trees, and the ground, depending on the species.
Common Names
Cymbidium Sw. is commonly known as boat orchids due to their boat-shaped flowers. In different regions and cultures, these plants have various names. For instance, in China, they are known as Lan or Lan Hua, in Japan, they are called Kod?ran, and in Korea, they are called Cheong Ju.
Uses
Cymbidium Sw. is a popular plant used in horticulture and floristry for both indoor and outdoor decoration. The plants produce beautiful, large, and long-lasting flowers, which come in various colors such as white, yellow, pink, red, and green. The flowers have a delicate fragrance and are often used to make perfume. In traditional Chinese medicine, Cymbidium Sw. is used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including coughs, fever, and respiratory problems.
Appearance
Cymbidium Sw. has a sympodial growth habit, meaning that they grow from side-shoots called pseudobulbs. Some species can grow to several feet tall, while others only reach a few inches in height. The leaves of the plants are long, narrow, and leathery, and can grow from one to three feet long and between 1 and 4 inches wide. The flowers of the Cymbidium Sw. are known for their unique boat-shaped lip and are arranged in clusters on long stems. The flowers can last several weeks to months, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
Cymbidium Sw. grows best in bright but indirect light, such as that filtered through a sheer curtain or diffused by a window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the flowers. Growers should aim to provide 1,500 to 2,500 foot-candles of light per day, enough to encourage healthy foliage growth and prolific blooming. This orchid can tolerate lower light levels, but it may not flower as often or produce as many blooms.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cymbidium Sw. is between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C) during the day, with a drop of 10-15°F (6-8°C) at night. This temperature variation is crucial to trigger flower production. The plant can withstand cooler climates and can even bloom in temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) but may require additional protection from frost. On the other hand, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can cause wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Cymbidium Sw. grows best in a well-draining, moisture-retentive, and mildly acidic potting mix that mimics its natural epiphytic environment. A blend of fine bark chips, sphagnum moss, and perlite or pumice works well. The potting mix should stay moist but not soggy, which can lead to root rot. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 for robust growth and blooming. It's essential to repot the orchid every two to three years as the potting mix breaks down and becomes compacted, hindering root development and water drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Cymbidium Sw.
Cymbidium Sw. is known to be the easiest orchid plant to care for and has gained popularity as a houseplant. It is commonly cultivated in a pot or basket. When planting, use a well-draining potting mix with bark, perlite, and charcoal. Make sure to secure the plant well in the container, as the weight of the flowers may cause it to tip over.
Cymbidium Sw. prefers a temperature range of 60-75°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. It requires a fair amount of light, but not direct sunlight, so it's best to place it in a bright spot that's protected from the sun's rays.
Watering Needs for Cymbidium Sw.
Cymbidium Sw. requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the potting mix feels dry to the touch. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, while during the dormant season, it can go longer without water. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Cymbidium Sw.
Cymbidium Sw. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 every two weeks. During the winter months, cut back on fertilizing to once every two months.
Pruning of Cymbidium Sw.
Pruning is not necessary for Cymbidium Sw. because the plant has a slow growth rate. However, it is a good idea to remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to improve the overall appearance of the plant. Cut off the older flower stems after the blooms have faded to encourage new growth and blooms to form in the future.
Propagation of Cymbidium Sw. Plants
Cymbidium Sw. plants are orchids that are propagated by a variety of methods. They are commonly propagated by division and back bulbs. Other methods of propagation that can be used are keiki production and tissue culture.
Division
The most common method of propagating Cymbidium Sw. plants is through division. Division is the process of separating the plant into smaller sections that each contain a portion of the root system. Each section is then potted separately and allowed to grow on its own. Divisions should be made in the fall after the flowering season when growth has slowed down, and new growth is just starting. The sections should be at least 3-4 pseudobulbs in size.
Back Bulbs
Back bulbs are dormant pseudobulbs on the plant that have stopped producing new growth. They are usually located towards the base of the plant and can be removed for propagation. Each back bulb should have at least one growing point. They can be potted in a well-draining mix and should be kept moist with high humidity to promote root growth.
Keiki Production
Keiki production is the process of allowing a plant to produce plantlets or baby orchids on its stem. This method of propagation is popular with Cymbidium Sw. plants as they are known to produce keikis readily. Once the keiki has developed roots, it can be separated from the parent plant and potted in suitable growing media.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a method of propagation that is widely used in the orchid industry. It involves taking a small part of the parent plant, such as a piece of tissue, and growing it in a sterile environment on a nutrient-rich agar medium. Tissue culture allows for the propagation of large numbers of plants in a short amount of time. While tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method, it is not recommended for beginners due to the specialized equipment and techniques required.
Disease Management for Cymbidium Sw. Plant
Cymbidium plants are prone to a few diseases that can impact their growth and overall health. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is the fungal disease, root rot. This disease mainly occurs due to overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent this disease, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining, and excessive water is drained out. It is also advisable to avoid watering the plant leaves to prevent the growth of fungus. If root rot is already affecting the plant, the infected roots should be removed, and the plant should be transplanted to a new well-draining soil mix.
Another disease that affects this plant is the bacterial soft rot, which is caused by bacteria and is a common problem in wet and humid conditions. The diseased plant parts need to be removed and the plant should be provided with proper ventilation to discourage bacterial growth. Applying a fungicide or a bacterial spray can also be helpful.
Pest Management for Cymbidium Sw. Plant
Cymbidium plants are also vulnerable to pests, including aphids, spider mites, snails, slugs, and thrips. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, resulting in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and damage to the plant's overall appearance.
An effective way to manage the presence of pests is by using insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil-based insecticides. Regularly inspecting the plant for early pest detection and removal of the infected leaves can also be helpful in preventing further infestation. It is essential to maintain good hygiene around the plant and avoid overcrowding to prevent the spread of pests through contact.
