Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium is the "boat orchid", native to tropical and subtropical Asia with a range that stretches from northern India through China down into Australia. In cultivation, two broad strains dominate: large-flowered standard Cymbidiums bred in the West, and the smaller more fragrant Asian cultivars (including the deeply traditional Chinese Cymbidiums cultivated for centuries). Strappy grass-like leaves emerge from a clump of pseudobulbs, and flower spikes carry a dozen or more waxy long-lasting blooms.

Cymbidiums are cool growers. They flower after a cool autumn, which makes them easy outdoors in mediterranean and mild-winter climates and difficult in hot-summer regions. Many growers move pots outdoors in summer for natural cool night drops, then bring them in before frost.

General care for the genus (species, hybrids and cultivars vary, so check with the grower for a specific plant): bright light (2,500 to 3,500 footcandles), cool to intermediate temperatures, cool autumn nights (10 to 13 °C) to trigger flowering, generous water during growth, drier after. Larger pots than most orchids, using a retentive mix of medium bark, perlite, and some potting soil.

Notable hybrids include Golden Elf (a warmth-tolerant compact), and countless large-flowered standards. Species like Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium ensifolium carry deep cultural importance in China and Japan, while Cymbidium lowianum is a key parent of the large-flowered standards. Listings below come from the nurseries we index, most of them re-checked nightly; prices are shown in USD.