Cymbidium orchid

(Cymbidium hybrid)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Medium sized orchids, 3" - 4" across, have similar sepals and petals with a lip which is either 3-lobed or entire. The lip usually has 2 ridges.

COLORS:

White, Purple, Yellow, Light Green, Rose

AVAILABILITY:

September to April

FRAGRANT?

No

USES IN ARRANGEMENT:

Focal point

SELECTION GUIDE:

Flower should be fully opened, with clear color and no bruises or brown edges.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Temperature sensitive. If used as corsage, place in refrigerator at night and will last for many days.

RECOMMENDED FOR HOME CULTURE?

Yes

HOME CULTURE NOTES:

Often grown in hobby greenhouses.

PROPOGATION:

Division (with one fan of leaves).

CARE:

Before arranging, recut stems, remove foliage that will be under water & put in mix of warm water & floral preservative for a few hours or overnight. Place arrangement away from direct sunlight, heat vents, air conditioners and drafts. Water and remove dying blooms and foliage daily. To prolong vase life, every 4 - 5 days, recut stems & clean container thoroughly. Rearrange remaining flowers, adding mixture of warm water & floral preservative to your "new" arrangement. Floral preservative is recommended and is available commercially.

NOTES:

Popular in corsages for Easter, Mother's Day. Also used for weddings.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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