Cymbidium sinense

Also known as: Information to be completed

A small-sized, evergreen orchid producing a small clump of egg-shaped pseudobulbs. Each pseudobulb is 2-6cm long and 2cm wide and is enclosed with broader, leaf-bearing sheaths. Leaves are linear, 60-90cm long and 2-3cm wide. Three to five leaves are usually held on each pseudobulb. Upright flowering stems emerge from base from autumn to spring. Each stems is up to 90cm tall, carrying 10-20 flowers which are 5cm across. The flowers are colour variable, usually dark maroon or purplish-brown, star-shaped and often fragrant

Scientific classification

Species: Cymbidium sinense (Cymbidium sinense)
Genus: Cymbidium
Family: Orchidaceae

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Cymbidium sinense pictures

Distribution of Cymbidium sinense

Distribution map

Southern China

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of Cymbidium sinense

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Cymbidium sinense care guide

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant
Watering: Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep potting medium lightly moist, airy, and never stagnant

Fertilizing

Half-strength orchid feed every two to three weeks in active growth

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut down flowered stems to base

Propagation

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting

Growing

Grow in an open, free-draining orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 16°C and 10°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Place outside in dappled shade during the summer months to aid flower initiation. See cymbidium cultivation for more detailed information

More growing and care information →