About
An evergreen shrub or small tree to about 3m from the mountains of South China, with elliptic, leathery, mid-green leaves with notched (emarginatum) tips and small, funnel-shaped, pale pink to white flowers in spring. A little-known and ornamental Rhododendron for a sheltered, woodland garden.
About the genus
Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids with prominent spherical to ovoid pseudobulbs, long linear leaves and fleshy white roots. Several long lasting showy flowers with a distinctive 3-lobed lip are borne on erect or arching flower spikes from the bases of the pseudobulbs
Plant details
Suggested usesCool conservatories, unheated porches, outdoor summer display. A classic orchid.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in bark-based orchid compost. Cool to intermediate (7-24�C). Bright light but not direct midday sun. Summer outdoors in shade.
PruningRemove spent flower spikes at the base. Repot every 2-3 years in spring.
PropagationDivide large clumps in spring, each division with 3+ pseudobulbs. Keep slightly dry until rooted.
Pest resistanceRed spider mite, scale, mealybugs, and aphids.
Disease resistanceVirus diseases (mosaic, ringspot) � discard affected plants. Black rot in cold, wet conditions.