LIGHT Insufficient light is the main cause for lack of flowering. Place near outer edge of tree canopy to give direct sun, morning and afternoon, shade at midday. Or, place on east, or west facing patio. Can take winter sun all day, but not in summertime. Keep plant in brightest spot, but keep it cool. Light green leaves indicate good light, dark green too shady, yellow leaves, too bright. Desirable shade cloth is 50% to 70% shade.

TEMPERATURE Cymbidiums prefer cool temperatures. Ideal range is days of 27C and nights of 13C. Can tolerate maximum of 40C and minimum of 0C. Needs 12C differential between summer and winter NIGHT temperatures in order to set buds. Plants enjoy cooling breezes at all times.

WATERING  Keep MOIST, not wet. Water when top 2 cm of mix dries,  once or twice each week in winter, daily in summer. Water until water runs freely from bottom of pot. Try to maintain humidity around 45%, such as near a pool or lawn area.

FERTILISER Use slow release fertiliser in spring  at the rate of  one level tablespoon to a 20 cm pot of potting mix. or liquid fertilise once a week in summer or monthly in winter. Never fertilise a dry plant.

RE-POTTING  Re-pot every 2 to 3  years. Best time is after flowering. Knock the plant out of its pot and gently separate the roots. Use a sterile knife to cut the plant into 3 or more bulb divisions, (make sure division has roots). Use only a cymbidium potting mix. Place divided division into a pot large enough to allow only 2 to 3 years growth. Bury base of bulbs only 2 cm deep into mix. Plant firmly using blunt stick. Provide extra shade and slightly less water for 2 to 4 weeks after dividing.