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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Boat orchid
(Cymbidium hybrid)
Also Known As
Boat orchid, Orchid cymbidium, Chinese cymbidium
About This Plant
Cymbidium hybrid is a species of orchid that produces beautiful and fragrant flowers. It is a hybrid of different Cymbidium species, resulting in a wide range of flower colors, shapes, and sizes.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
18-36 inches (45-90 cm)
Light Requirements
Cymbidium orchids prefer bright but indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves and flowers.
Humidity Needs
Cymbidium orchids prefer high humidity levels, around 50-70%. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves with water, placing a humidifier nearby, or grouping the plants together.
Fertilizing Schedule
Cymbidium orchids should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. In the winter, reduce fertilization to once a month. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids.
Pruning Guidelines
Cymbidium orchids should be pruned after flowering to promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Cut back the flower spike to just above the first node, and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common pests for Cymbidium orchids include mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Cymbidium orchids can also be susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases, which can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and well-ventilated.
Indoor Size Range
18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Watering Schedule
Cymbidium orchids should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing the water to drain out of the pot completely. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, so make sure the potting mix is not too wet. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Temperature Range
Cymbidium orchids prefer cool to intermediate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C) during the day and 45-60°F (7-15°C) at night. They can tolerate slightly higher temperatures in the summer, but avoid temperatures above 85°F (29°C).
Growing Season
Spring and summer are the growing season for Cymbidium orchids.
Growing Difficulty Level
Cymbidium orchids are moderately difficult to grow. They require specific temperature, light, and humidity conditions, and can be susceptible to pests and diseases. However, with proper care, they can be a rewarding and long-lived plant.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Cymbidium orchids are not hardy and cannot tolerate frost. They should be grown indoors or in a greenhouse. However, they can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Did You Know?
Cymbidium orchids are sometimes called 'boat orchids' because the shape of their lip resembles the hull of a boat.
