Cymbidium

Cymbidiums are among the most popular winter and spring blooming orchids. The word Cymbidium Comes from Greek kymbe meaning a boat, referring to hollowness in the lip of the flower. Cymbidium is native of tropical and subtropical Asia covering North-India, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Borneo islands and North-Australia, usually growing in cooler climates at high elevation.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Liliopsida

Order

Asparagales

Family

Orchidaceae

Species

cymbidium

Cymbidium orchids are thick, waxy flowers with five pointed petals on each bloom. At present the genus Cymbidium consists of 44 species originating from the Asian continent. Cymbidium is one of the most popular and desirable orchids in the world because of the beauty of flowers. Cymbidiums are very popular in floral arrangements floral corsages. Cymbidiums are available in a rainbow of colours. The breath taking sprays of cymbidium flowers make ideal home or patio decorations. From the time that the first flower bud opens, the sprays will remain in bloom for the next 2 - 3 months.

Facts About Cymbidium

• Cymbidiums have been cultivated for thousands of years, especially in ancient China.
• Cymbidiums became popular in Europe during the Victorian era. One feature that makes the cymbidium so popular is the fact that the plant can survive cold temperatures as low as 7 degree Centigrade.
• In his writings, Confucius referred to the Asian Cymbidium as the King of Fragrance
• Cymbidiums usually bloom once a year during winter and spring seasons and the flowers last for more than four weeks.
• Cymbidiums may be divided into two main groups- Standard Cymbidiums (large-flowered type) and Miniature Cymbidiums (small-flowered type).
• A cymbidium plant has three types of bulbs-
  1. Old back bulbs without leaves, which reserve food supply for emergencies.
  2.Old bulbs with leaves, Supporting the new growth and may produce flowers.
  3.New leads or bulbs, from where flowers grow.