The stem is concealed in a forest of soft green leaves. The flower stems quickly almost become top-heavy with flowers. Cymbidium flowers for weeks like a torch with red, purple, pink, orange, yellow, green or bicoloured flowers that sometimes have a light pleasant fragrance. Its imposing size and presence mean that the plant is known as the King of the Orchids. What’s notable is that unlike most orchids Cymbidium has no aerial roots but a root ball, and that it’s a desirable, strong seasonal plant that is only available in the autumn and winter.
Credit: Thejoyofplants.co.uk
Origin
Cymbidium looks tropical but is actually a cool character. This orchid is accustomed to surviving on the southern slopes of the Himalayas. Even on that rocky nutrient-poor soil, in cold nights and in bright light it’s able to produce its mysterious, elegant flowers. That makes it a very strong houseplant that can cope well with indoor conditions.
Cymbidium assortment
Cymbidium comes in many colours from creamy white to green and brown to red, yellow, pink and white.
The petals can be evenly coloured but can also have stripes or spots. The lip colour also varies, but the anther cap is always white.
Cymbidium grows slowly: from a shoot to a flowering plant takes some five years on average. That makes it a very valuable, strong orchid. The houseplant is offered in minis and large-flowered varieties and as a hanging plant.
For more information:
Thejoyofplants.co.uk