Growing Cymbidium &

Zygopetalum Orchids
Cymbidium Orchids come originally from temperate areas such as the foothills of the Himalayas. Today's plants are crossings of those species made over the last hundred years. They are easy to grow in our Perth climate given some protection from the hot summer sun.

SHADEHOUSE

It is possible to grow Cymbidiums under trees, which provide filtered light. A better situation is to grow them under a pergola or in a shadehouse. The shadecloth used is usually 50% near the coast or 70% inland. Place your plants on a low bench or even on a few bricks to assist with drainage and help reduce attack by pests like snails and slugs.

POTTING MIX

Look for a mix that is economical, offers good drainage, and lasts at least two seasons before breakdown. Commercial mixes are usually graded pinebark based material which has been composted for about twelve months. Orchid potting mix such as Ausgro is available from orchid nurseries and the gardening sections of large hardware and department stores.

REPOTTING AND DIVIDING

Potting up to a larger size pot can be undertaken at any time of the year providing the roots are not disturbed. Repotting is best done following flowering from April to October. This is done because either the plant has filled it's pot or the potting mix has completely broken down. Use fresh potting mix when repotting. Remove the old mix from the roots. Trim off any dead roots and trim back the roots if required to fit the new container. Backbulbs (old bulbs with no leaves) can be removed unless they hold the green bulb together. These can be potted and will form a new flowering size plant in 3 - 4 years. Divisions should be of 3 - 4 green bulbs. This means there is a greater likelihood of flowering next season.

WATERING

It is difficult to over water Cymbidiums in a well drained potting mix. The roots should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out. Watering is best done in the mornings and this will vary from about once a week in Winter to daily in Summer.

FERTILISING

Slow release fertiliser such as Macracote and Nutricote can be sprinkled around plants after repotting. A guide for it's use is two teaspoons to a 200mm diameter pot. Additional liquid fertilising can be done fortnightly using products such as Polyfeed, Campbells or other specific orchid fertilisers at the recommended strength. General purpose products such as Aquasol can be used at half strength.

FLOWERING

Flower buds should be protected from rain by placing the plant under cover. A flowering house or patio with translucent sheeting is ideal. Use a few snail pellets on top of the pot to prevent damage from snails and slugs. Orchid flowers can last up to 2 months if left on the plant. Plants in flower can be brought indoors for up to two weeks. After this is is best to cut off the flower and put them in a vase where they will last for 3 or 4 weeks.

ZYGOPETALUMS

Zygopetalums have similar cultural requirements to Cymbidiums and they prefer a slightly shadier situation.


Every Cymbidium grower has a different approach to growing and these notes are provided as a guide to assist with your cultivation.
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