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

Light for Cymbidium Orchid

Light is very important for Cymbidium Orchid plants. They like bright light, but they should not burn. A little shade in the middle of the day is often enough. Leaves should be medium green to golden green, not dark green.

Temperature for Cymbidium Orchid

Temperature changes help Cymbidium Orchid plants set flower spikes.

• In summer, many plants grow best outdoors with day temperatures around 24 to 29°C.
• For flower spikes to start, late summer to autumn nights should be cooler, about 10 to 16°C. In New Zealand this is usually February to April.
• In winter, many Cymbidium Orchid plants do well with nights about 7 to 13°C and days about 18 to 24°C.
• When buds are forming, keep temperatures steady if possible, about 13 to 24°C.
• Bring plants under cover if temperatures drop to about 4°C.
• If summer nights stay above about 21°C, standard Cymbidium may not flower well, and miniature Cymbidium is often the better choice.

Water for Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchid plants like steady moisture during active growth.

• In spring and summer, water well and keep the potting mix evenly moist.
• In late summer, once the pseudobulbs finish growing, reduce watering.
• In winter, keep the mix only just moist, not wet.

Humidity for Cymbidium Orchid

Outdoor humidity is often fine in New Zealand during summer. In winter, aim for about 40 to 60% humidity, especially when the plant has buds. Keep air moving around the plant.

Fertiliser for Cymbidium Orchid

For Cymbidium Orchid feeding in New Zealand, a simple year-round routine works well.

Use either Superthrive Grow 7-9-5 or Superthrive Orchid-Pro 7-8-6.

• Mix at 1 mL to 1.5 mL per litre of water.
• Feed once a week all year.
• In winter, the feed interval may be longer than one week. It depends on how long the potting mix takes to dry out.

Potting for Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium Orchid plants are often repotted in spring after flowering. Many growers repot about every two years, or sooner if the mix breaks down. A moisture-holding orchid mix is helpful, and the plant should be firm in the pot.

In New Zealand, Kiwi Orchid Bark and Bio Leaf Premium Orchid Potting Mixes can be purchased from Bio Leaf.

Insect Control

Check Cymbidium Orchid plants often for insects. Look under leaves, along new growth, and around the base of the plant. Remove dead leaf matter and keep the growing area clean, as this helps reduce problems.

Disease Control

Good airflow helps reduce fungal issues. Flower spotting can happen when air is still and conditions stay damp, so keep air moving and avoid wetting flowers late in the day.

If you would like to know more about growing orchids, join a local orchid group and attend a meeting. They can help with Cymbidium Orchid care, seasonal tips, and growing advice for New Zealand conditions.

Learn More About Cymbidium Orchids

If they would like to learn more about growing orchids, think about coming to the next NZOS meeting. Meetings are a good place to see well-grown Cymbidium orchids, ask questions, and learn simple growing habits that work in New Zealand.

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