Cymbidium spp. Plant Care Reminders
Cymbidium orchidGeneral Information
Plant Care Instructions By Steve Brigham
Cymbidium orchids thrive in the mild coastal Southern California climates, where they are quite easy to grow, even for inexperienced gardeners. For best results, choose a fairly cool, humid, and frost-free location with 50%-60% shade for your plants, and be faithful with watering, fertilzing, and repotting. Once you succeed, you'll want to grow all of the newest and showiest hybrids!


Is Indoor Plant?
No
These month by month plant care tasks are for plants in the following zones :
Sunset Zones :22, 23, 24
USDA Zones :
Web Link - For more information
On the Mulch :
www.themulch.com/plant-facts?id=23094
On the Web :No Information Provided
On the Web :No Information Provided
Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
-
Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
January1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.2. WaterWater when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.3. ProtectProtect plants and flowers from frost.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.February1. BuyBuy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.2. PlantGrow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.3. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.4. WaterWater when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.5. ProtectProtect plants and flowers from frost.6. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.7. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.March1. BuyBuy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.2. PlantGrow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.3. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.April1. BuyBuy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.2. PlantGrow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.3. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.May1. BuyBuy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.2. PlantGrow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.3. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.7. TransplantAfter they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.8. PropagatePropagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").June1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.5. TransplantAfter they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.6. PropagatePropagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").July1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.5. TransplantAfter they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.6. PropagatePropagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").August1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.September1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.October1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.November1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.2. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.3. ProtectProtect plants and flowers from frost.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.December1. FertilizeFertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.2. WaterWater when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.3. ProtectProtect plants and flowers from frost.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for snails and slugs.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
February
Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.
March
Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.
April
Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.
May
Buy plants in bloom to get the flower colors you want. Visit specialty orchid nurseries for the best selection of the best hybrids.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
February
Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.
March
Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.
April
Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.
May
Grow plants in containers in commercial orchid mix in partial shade under fairly cool, humid, and frost-free conditions (a shade house is ideal). Provide enough light so that foliage is light green (not dark green), but enough shade that foliage doesn\'t burn. To keep flowers fresh, provide a little more shade during bloom season.
June
Repot after bloom season is over (see \"Transplant\").
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
January
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
February
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
March
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
April
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
May
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
June
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
July
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
August
Fertilize twice a month with a 30-10-10 water-soluble plant food.
September
Fertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.
October
Fertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.
November
Fertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.
December
Fertilize twice a month with a low nitrogen liquid plant food such as 5-10-10 to encourage flowering.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
Water when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.
February
Water when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.
March
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
April
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
May
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
June
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
July
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
August
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
September
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
October
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
November
Water regularly and thoroughly from spring through fall. Mornings are the best time to water. During hot weather, keep humidity up by sprinkling foliage, and do not let plants dry out.
December
Water when potting mix is dry, but keep plants on the dry side and don\'t over-water in winter. Mornings are the best time to water.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
January
Protect plants and flowers from frost.
February
Protect plants and flowers from frost.
November
Protect plants and flowers from frost.
December
Protect plants and flowers from frost.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
January
Check for snails and slugs.
February
Check for snails and slugs.
March
Check for snails and slugs.
April
Check for snails and slugs.
May
Check for snails and slugs.
June
Check for snails and slugs.
July
Check for snails and slugs.
August
Check for snails and slugs.
September
Check for snails and slugs.
October
Check for snails and slugs.
November
Check for snails and slugs.
December
Check for snails and slugs.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
January
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
February
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
March
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
April
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
May
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
June
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
July
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
August
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
September
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
October
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
November
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
December
Control snails and slugs with a product containing iron phosphate.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
May
After they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.
June
After they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.
July
After they finish blooming, cymbidium plants may be repotted in fresh orchid mix. This should be done at least once every three years to insure that the plants are not too crowded and that their roots do not rot in decomposed, soggy mix. Older plants may also be divided at this time, but make sure each division has at least 3-4 healthy green bulbs. Pot into containers wide enough to allow for around 2\" of fresh potting mix around the plants. When repotting, remove any dead roots and any old, dead bulbs, and pot with the lower third of the bulbs covered, firming the new mix gently but securely around the roots.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
May
Propagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").
June
Propagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").
July
Propagate by division of older plants (see \"Transplant\").
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