Also known as Cymbidium Orchid · 3 saves
Cymbidium
Cymbidium, the genus most gardeners know as cymbidium orchid. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Cymbidium varieties
Species of Cymbidium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cymbidium in Sow
Save the Cymbidium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cymbidium
Whats common across all Cymbidium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Cymbidium year
- FertilizeApril–September100% of varieties
Feed weekly with a diluted orchid fertilizer during active growth; reduce in fall/winter.
- Check for PestsJanuary–December100% of varieties
Regularly check for spider mites and scale insects, especially indoors.
- Winter PrepNovember and December67% of varieties
Provide a cool, dry rest period in fall to encourage flower bud formation.
Do
- Mist regularly to increase humidity 🌱
- Use orchid fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant
- Grow in hanging baskets to allow the pendulous flower spikes to cascade naturally.
- Maintain high humidity levels of 60% or more around the plant.
Avoid
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
- Do not overwater; let roots dry slightly between waterings ❌
- Keep away from cold drafts
- Do not use standard potting soil or heavy media that retains stagnant water.
What goes wrong with Cymbidium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony patches on leaves | Apply organic insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, accompanied by silvery or yellow stippling and dull foliage. | Increase local humidity, wash the leaves with tepid water, and apply miticide or neem oil if the infestation persists. |
| Scale insects | Hard, brown bumps on the leaves and pseudobulbs, accompanied by sticky honeydew or yellowing foliage. | Scrape off light infestations manually with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol, or apply horticultural oil in shaded conditions. |
| Root rot | Soft, brown roots and wilting | Reduce watering and improve drainage |
| Botrytis petal blight | Small, light brown spots on the flower petals that expand rapidly in cool, damp conditions. | Remove affected flowers, reduce humidity slightly, and improve air circulation around the plant to prevent stagnant air. |
Making more Cymbidium
Division
- Gently remove mature plant from pot
- Separate offsets with clean, sharp knife
- Plant divisions in moist, well-draining medium
- Keep in shaded area for 2 weeks to establish roots
Cymbidium questions
How many types of Cymbidium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Cymbidium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cymbidium grow in?
Across its varieties, Cymbidium covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cymbidium bloom?
Most Cymbidium varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, summer to fall, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cymbidium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.