Cymbidium Culture in Northern California

Light

This is very important for attaining good growing and blooming culture. Without proper light, you will have poor growth and few or no flowers. The leaves should be yellowish-green in color. Too much light will result in pale colored leaves, with possible unsightly black markings, especially in the arch of the leaves. Give the plants 60% shade. This can be accomplished by using shade cloth that can be purchased at local garden centers. Filtered light daily or full sun on the coast, until noon during the spring and summer months is the rule for good growing conditions. Cymbidiums will take all the sun they can get during the winter months. Spikes are initiated when there is a 15 to 20 degree drop in temperature.  This usually occurs in the autumn.

Temperature

Above 40 degrees and not over 90 degrees is ideal. When the temperature is high, it is important to add humidity by spraying the plants with water to cool the plants down. Cymbidiums can take temperatures down to 30 degrees F, but should be given some protection. Spikes will be damaged at 32 degrees F, and the rest of the plant will damage at 25 degrees F. To protect plants against frost damage, move them under covered lath, or against the house. You can also cover your plants with Pro 50 Freeze Cloth (4-6 degrees F of freeze protection. You can buy the freeze cloth from some local nurseries.

Water

In the winter, less water is needed.  If no rain, water once a week in the winter months. Too much water or rain during the cool months can cause damage to the developing new growths and flower spikes. Spring and summer is the prime growing and blooming time. The new growths contain the flowers for the blooming season ahead. As the growing season gets into full swing, do not let the plants dry out.  If the weather turns hot and dry, water more often.   

Fertilizer

Cymbidiums must be fertilized, as the bark medium they are planted in provides little nourishment.  From February to September use any good high nitrogen food for cymbidiums. For example: 30-10-10, 20-10-10, 20-20-20. From September to February, use a low nitrogen fertilizer to promote blooming. For example: 6-10-10, 6-30-30, 0-10-10. Follow instructions and feed weekly. Use ¼ of the recommended amount of fertilizer per 1 gallon of water.