Boat orchid Cymbidium floribundum

Credit: Larsen Twins Dk

Boat orchid Cymbidium floribundum violet flowers

Credit: Azn Linsie Hu

Cymbidium floribundum flowers

Credit: Jam 343

Boat orchids Cymbidium floribundum

Credit: Azn Linsie Hu

The Cymbidium floribundum orchid, small but flowering

Native to Asia, the Cymbidium floribundum orchid grows in Tibet, Taiwan, China and Vietnam. Accustomed to high altitudes, it also adapts well to the warmth of our homes, which it graces with its flowers.

How to recognize Cymbidium floribundum?

The Cymbidium floribundum orchid can be recognized by its small size. It measures just 15 to 25 centimetres in height, while others, such as cymbidium Sarah Jean, reach 60 centimetres. It has flattened, three-centimeter pseudobulbs at its base. Its evergreen foliage consists of linear, leathery green leaves. Each leaf measures between 30 and 45 centimetres.

Cymbidium floribundum flowers in spring. Its flowering stem bears up to 40 flowers, arranged in clusters. As always with the Cymbidium orchid, sepals and petals are identical. Long and fleshy, they contrast with the three-lobed, drooping labellum. Unlike Cymbidium aloifolium, the flowers are fragrance-free. They are usually red or orange. But there are also green, purple, white and even brown varieties.

If you live with pets or young children, you can adopt a Cymbidium floribundum orchid without fear. The plant is not toxic to humans, cats or dogs.

Our maintenance tips

Cymbidium floribundum are well suited to the temperature of our homes. But if you have a conservatory or veranda, install your plant there. It will flower more abundantly and for longer than in a heated room.

Watering

The plant should be watered when the surface of the root ball is dry (about one centimeter deep).

Cymbidium floribundum tolerant of slightly hard water. You can water them with tap water. If the water is chlorinated, let it stand for 24 hours before use.

Water abundantly with water at room temperature. The amount of liquid should correspond to the size of the root ball.

Drain off any stagnant water in the saucer or planter. It could rot the roots.

Spray

Cymbidium floribundum like humidity. Mist your plant with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Avoid spraying tap water. It leaves white marks on the foliage.

As well as improving hygrometry, spraying helps to prevent pest infestations.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Cymbidium floribundum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Cymbidium floribundum hate change and like to be cramped. Re-pot only when roots and pseudobulbs have colonized the pot.

Choose a deep pierced plastic pot. Its diameter and height should be greater than those of the old container. Prepare a mixture of potting soil for flowering plants (two-thirds) and bark (one-third). You can also use a commercially available orchid mix. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of substrate and tamp down.

Remove your Cymbidium floribundum from its container. If the plant is difficult to dislodge, don't force it. Instead, cut the plastic with scissors. Remove the substrate, loosen the roots and remove any dead bulbs.

Try to identify the front of the plant (where new shoots form) from the back. Plant your specimen with the back of the plant against the pot. This will give the new bulbs more room to grow. Fill in with substrate up to the bulb's limit.

Don't water for a month after repotting. Just mist the substrate to keep it moist. When new roots appear, you can resume watering from above.

Fertilization

Fertilize your plant all year round, except in midsummer.

To promote the growth and flowering of your Cymbidium floribundum, you can apply a potassium-rich fertilizer, such as an orchid fertilizer.

Prune

Remove wilted flower stems. Cut flush with a clean, sharp tool (scissors, pruning shears, etc.), taking care not to damage the leaves.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

When dividing your plant, always keep at least three healthy pseudobulbs per plant.

After cleaning the roots, separate the pseudobulbs. You can use clean secateurs or your hands.

Prepare a deep pierced pot. Fill the bottom with a mixture of potting soil and bark. You can also use a commercially available orchid mix. Place your cutting against one side of the pot, to leave room in front for future pseudobulbs. Fill with substrate and tamp down.

Stop watering and fertilizing for a month. Mist the soil with water to keep it moist.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Mealybugs

Slugs

Information

Family	Orchids - Orchidaceae
Type	Boat orchid - Cymbidium
Species	Cymbidium floribundum - Cymbidium floribundum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Sun
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Interior Flowery
Tag	Flowery
Origins	East Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	10b
Leaf color
Flower colors