Cymbidium

The Cymbidium is part of the orchid family, a genus of plants with 8,000 varieties.

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Contrary to what one might expect, the Cymbidium is a plant which is not grown under truly tropical conditions. The Cymbidium’s origins are at the foot of the Himalayas, on the southern slopes of the mountain range at a height of 1500 to 3000 metres. This means that the plant is naturally accustomed to challenging living conditions. A lot of light, cold nights, a rocky soil with few nutrients. There is often not enough water and not enough food. The Cymbidium is a ‘survivor’.

The name Cymbidium comes from the Greek word ‘kymbos’, which means ‘boat’. It refers to the flower’s bow-shaped arched lip. 

Cascade Cymbidium

The botanic ancestors of the Cascade Cymbidium, cultivate originally grew on dead trees and rock faces in various regions of Taiwan, Vietnam and China at an elevation of 1500 to 2200 m.
As such, the plants had no need to develop any flowers that emerged above the plants, and the flowers ended up hanging downwards. This gave us a fantastic opportunity to grow Cymbidium plants which can be beautifully presented in a high vase.

  •   Properties
    Scientific name
    Cymbidium
    Family
    Orchidaceae
    Synonyms
    Orchid
    Origin
    Hymalaya
    Meaning
    Exquisite beauty
    Shelf life
    Cymbidiums will last for between 10 and 21 days (depending on country of sale, shipping and storage time, the provision of cut flower food, freshness and conditions at the consumer).
    Season
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
                           
  •   Care tips florists
    • Cymbidium flowers are best transported at a temperature which is not less than 8 ºC. Many florists think that it is a tropical flower and that the storage temperature must be more than 14 ºC, but this is not correct. If the temperature is too low and storage lasts too long, the flower will glaze.
    • Cut a piece off the end of the stems.
    • Place the branches in clean water.
    • The test-tubes in which the flowers are transported in the box can be saved for later use in flower arrangements or bouquets. •Ensure that the vulnerable ‘anther cap’ is not damaged or snapped off, since this will immediately reduce the lifespan significantly.
    • Do not allow the flower to come into contact with sources of ethylene, such as ripening fruit, vegetables or exhaust fumes. This will cause the flower to age rapidly.
    • When producing floral arrangements or bouquets the Cymbidium is placed in test-tubes as a loose flower. Ensure that the test-tubes remained well-filled with water.
    • Avoid condensation or the flowers getting wet because of the risk of Botrytis.
    • Clean and dry working is very important.
  •   Care tips consumers
    • Cut a piece off the end of the stem.
    • Place the flower in clean water.
    • Possibly add cut flower food for a longer vase life.
    • To prolong the vase life, a piece can be cut off the stem in due course.
    • If a Cymbidium has drooped, it can be placed in warm water. This will revive the flower.
    • Cymbidium is often placed in a test-tube when used in floral arrangements or bouquets; it is important to check regularly whether the test-tube still contains enough water.
    • Do not place the flowers in a draught or in direct sunlight, and avoid dropping or knocks.
    • Cymbidiums should not be placed next to fruit because of the ethylene gas.