The Nature of Cymbidiums

I love the different colors, sizes, and types of orchids my mom grows in her garden. I like the lavender ones, which by my researches are called Cymbidiums. And digging deeper, I have learned that this orchid is from the epiphytic species. The specie is characterized with their larger size when compared to most orchid species. They grow into tall large wax spikes of flowers in very nice pastel hues over their thin but durable strappy foliage.

Cymbidiums can be grown indoors and outdoors, thanks to their surfboard-shape green pseudobulb that stores the water and nutrients collected by their roots. Like any other epiphytic orchids, Cymbidiums are planted in coarse, easy draining material. Such planting bed allows water off easily so as to prevent their roots to suffocate and eventually rot.

Preparing Cymbidiums planting bed

Although you can find the perfect planting bed or materials for growing epiphytic orchids in the market, you can save on costs by preparing your own at home. All you will need are:

2/3 fine fir bark

1/3 fine redwood compost

Simply mix this two to resemble fine splinters and small chinks. Done, the mixture will provide an easy drainage for wastewater while holding some moisture just long enough for the roots to finally absorb it.

Another mixture to use as planting bed for your Cymbidiums is the Charcoal, Vermiculite & Moss Medium fusion. You will need:

1/3 horticultural charcoal chunks

1/3 vermiculite grains

1/3 of milled sphagnum peat moss

Combine all these materials. The vermiculite grains will lighten the mix while the peat moss holds the moisture.

Note: you can find finely milled peat moss in the market, but in the event there isn’t, you can just make your own by grinding up chunks of it in a utility blender.