Cymbidium Orchid Care Guide for New Zealand Growers

A fine collection of Cymbidium Orchids on display at the Waitakere Orchid Society Show, 2025.

Cymbidium langleyense 'Richard', CC/NZOS

Cymbidium Memoria Mick Hughes ‘Lollylegs’ HCC/NZOS

1. Light Requirements for Cymbidium Orchids

Light plays a crucial role in successful cymbidium orchid cultivation. These orchids demand the maximum amount of light possible without causing leaf burn. During New Zealand's intense summer months (December through February), provide only light shade during the middle of the day, approximately 20 per cent shade coverage.

In cooler coastal areas of New Zealand, cymbidiums can tolerate full sun exposure throughout most of the year. The ideal leaf colour should be medium to golden green - avoid dark green foliage as this indicates insufficient light levels that may prevent flowering.

Seasonal Light Management

During autumn and winter months (March through August), maximise light exposure as much as possible. The cooler temperatures during these months allow for increased light without risk of overheating your cymbidium orchid.

2. Temperature Management

Temperature control proves critical for flowering in both standard and miniature cymbidiums, with timing being essential for bloom initiation.

A. Summer Temperature Requirements

During New Zealand's summer months (December through February), standard cymbidiums perform best when grown outdoors in semi-shade conditions where:

• Day temperatures range from 24-29°C (or higher).
• Night temperatures during late summer to autumn (February through April) must drop to 10-16°C to trigger flower spike development.
• Watering your cymbidiums at night during December & January will increase the day-night differential and increase the probability for more flowers to develop.

B. Winter Temperature Guidelines

Optimum winter temperatures for cymbidium orchids are:

• Night temperatures: 7-13°C
• Day temperatures: 18-24°C

C. Budding Period Temperature Control

When plants develop buds, maintain temperatures as consistently as possible between 13-24°C. Miniature varieties can tolerate temperatures 3-6°C higher than standard cymbidiums while still producing flowers.

D. Frost Protection

Most cymbidiums can survive light frosts, but this isn't recommended for plant health. If possible, bring your cymbidium orchid indoors when temperatures drop to 4°C, or cover with a frost cloth at night to protect against the lower temperatures. In New Zealand's milder regions, these orchids can remain outdoors year-round with proper protection. If during the winter months, you bring them indoors, provide a bright, cool location.

3. Water Requirements

Cymbidiums are semi-terrestrial plants requiring a constant moisture supply, though watering needs vary significantly with the seasons. Cymbidiums like the potting mix to be moist and not wet all the time. Managing your watering frequency and choosing a potting mix that facilitates this is important

A. Growing Season Watering

These orchids produce most of their vegetative growth during spring and summer (September through February), requiring heavy watering during this active period. Keep the potting material evenly moist throughout the growing season.

B. Dormant Season Watering

Reduce watering when pseudobulbs complete their growth in late summer (February-March). During New Zealand's winter months (June through August), maintain barely moist conditions - don't allow complete drying, but avoid oversaturation.

C. Watering Quality

Always use quality water free from excessive salts. Room temperature or slightly warm water works best for your cymbidium orchid's root system.

4. Humidity Control

A. Outdoor Humidity

During New Zealand's summer months, outdoor humidity levels typically provide adequate moisture for cymbidiums, except in particularly dry regions where greenhouse evaporative cooling may be necessary.

B. Indoor Humidity Management

Maintain humidity levels between 40-60 per cent during winter months, especially when plants are developing buds. Ensure continuous air movement around your cymbidium orchid to prevent Botrytis fungus from spotting the flowers.

C. Humidity Enhancement Methods

For indoor growing, use humidity trays with gravel and water (ensuring pots don't sit in water) or invest in a humidifier for consistent moisture levels.

5. Fertiliser Program

Proper fertilising timing helps ensure reliable flowering in your cymbidium orchid. It is accepted that cymbidium orchids need a little more fertiliser compared to other orchids. One way to provide extra fertiliser is to sprinkle a little slow-release fertiliser on top of the potting mix, approximately half the recommended rate, and then resume normal weekly feeding using a liquid orchid fertiliser. This would only be necessary during the growing season (September to March).

Most hobby cymbidium growers will use one fertiliser all year round. Superthrive (Dyna-Gro) GROW is suitable for this. 

However, if you prefer to match your fertiliser selection to the growing phase of the cymbidium, then follow the below suggestions.

1. Growing Season Fertilisation

During the active growth season (spring through late summer - September through February), use high-nitrogen fertiliser such as Superthrive (Dyna-Gro) Foliage Pro. Apply at full strength every 1-2 weeks to support vigorous growth.

2. Pre-Flowering Fertilisation

In late summer (February-March), switch to high-phosphorus, bloom-booster fertiliser such as Superthrive(Dyna-Gro) GROW to encourage flower spike formation. This timing aligns with New Zealand's natural seasonal transition.

3. Winter Fertilisation

During winter months (June through August), reduce fertilising to once monthly applications to match the plant's slower metabolism. Superthrive(Dyna-Gro) GROW or Superthrive (Dyna-Gro) Bloom would be suitable for 

6. Potting Your Cymbidium Orchid

A. Repotting Schedule

Repot cymbidiums in spring after flowering, typically every two years or when the potting medium begins to decompose. In New Zealand, this usually occurs between September and November.

B. Repotting Process

Remove all old potting mix from the roots completely, dividing the plant if desired. Cut away any dead roots.

Kiwi Orchid Bark Size 2 for smaller plants and Kiwi Orchid Bark Size 3 for larger plants will be suitable, or you can use Bio Leaf Orchid Mix. It comes in coarse or medium grade mix. The coarse grade will be suitable for large cymbidiums and the medium grade for smaller cymbidium plants.

C. Container Selection

Select a pot allowing 2-3 years of pseudobulb growth before overcrowding. Position the active growing pseudobulb(s) of any division as far as possible from the pot's edge to maximise growing space.

D. Planting Technique

Spread roots over a cone of growing mix in the pot bottom, then fill the container with medium, working it thoroughly among the roots and tamping firmly. Single backbulbs can remain unplanted until new growth and roots develop.

E. Post-Repotting Care

Keep newly repotted cymbidiums shaded and warm until new growth appears, then resume the normal care routine.

Summary

Growing cymbidium orchids successfully in New Zealand requires understanding their cool-climate origins and seasonal growth patterns. These semi-terrestrial orchids need maximum light with minimal shade, cool night temperatures (especially during late summer for flower initiation), constant moisture during the growing season with reduced winter watering, moderate humidity with good air circulation, seasonal fertilising programs, and repotting every two years in spring.

The key to cymbidium orchid success lies in providing cool night temperatures during late summer and autumn to trigger flowering, while maintaining consistent care throughout their growing and dormant phases. With proper attention to these requirements, your cymbidium orchids will reward you with magnificent, long-lasting flower displays that make excellent cut flowers and stunning garden features.

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