About
Cymbidium Aviemore gx 'December Pinkie' is a medium-sized, epiphytic orchid that retains its foliage year-round. Its linear leaves are a mid-green hue, reaching lengths of up to 50 cm and widths of 1.8 to 2 cm. This species develops a cluster of pseudobulbs, each surrounded by leaf bases that support four to six leaves. In early winter, it produces pale pink flowers measuring 6 to 8 cm in diameter, borne on semi-pendulous stems. The petals and sepals exhibit pale pink tones, accented with darker lines and lighter edges, while the lip features a white base adorned with dark red markings.
About the genus
Cymbidium species are orchids that can grow as epiphytes, lithophytes, or terrestrial plants. They feature noticeable spherical to ovoid pseudobulbs, elongated linear leaves, and thick white roots. These orchids produce multiple long-lasting flowers, characterized by a unique three-lobed lip, which emerge from erect or arching spikes at the base of the pseudobulbs.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in an open, free-draining orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 16°C and 10°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Place outside in dappled shade during the summer months to aid flower initiation. See cymbidium cultivation for more detailed information.
- Pruning
- No pruning required. Cut down flowered stems to base.
- Propagation
- Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free. Sterilising cutting tools may prevent virus diseases, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV).