About
Cymbidium tracyanum, Tracy's boat orchid, is a large epiphytic orchid producing egg-shaped pseudobulbs to 12 cm with dark-green, leathery, ridged leaves to 80 cm long. In autumn, arching flower spikes to 130 cm carry strongly aromatic, yellow-green flowers 9 cm across, striped brown-red, with a pale lip speckled with purple-brown. A spectacular orchid for a cool to intermediate heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Cymbidium are epiphytic, lithophytic or terrestrial orchids from tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia with prominent pseudobulbs, long, arching, strap-shaped leaves and tall spikes of long-lasting, showy flowers in a wide range of colours. Among the most popular of all orchids for heated greenhouses and conservatories.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil pHNeutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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.
PruningNo pruning required. Cut down flowered stems to base
PropagationPropagation 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 resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Sterilising cutting tools may prevent virus diseases, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV)