Where are Cymbidiums grown?

Answer 1

Cymbidium, or Boat Orchid, is a genus of 52 evergreen species within the Ochidaceae family. It stands out among orchids for its rare ability to provide winter color through its fragrant blooms. Its native range is in the cooler, higher elevations of the subtropics and tropics: Borneo, China, Japan, Malaysia, northern Australia and northern India, and the Philippines. That habitat is shrinking and changing such that the tendency now is to think of the Asian Cymbidium as being from China, Japan, Korea, India, and parts of Thailand and Vietnam. But Cymbidium may be grown outside its native range. For it can tolerate cold temperatures down to 7 degrees C/45 degrees F. In fact, the Boat Orchid finds particular success in cultivation along coasts of California, the Mediterranean, some of Australia and New Zealand, and South Africa. Indeed, the conditions at sea level in these areas are very close to the conditions of the plant's native range. Elsewhere, cymbidium tends to be grown as a potted plant, or in raised beds. Either way, it needs a better draining, acidic soil that benefits from filtered sunlight. Because of its attractive leaves, and its fragrant flowers of winter interest, Cymbidium was particularly popular as one of the Victorian greenhouse flowers in 19th century England. And it still ranks among the popular greenhouse and house plant choices today. But it tends to be found less in nurseries, whose owners prefer the hybrids, and more in botanical gardens. Nevertheless, support for the orchid continues through the efforts of the Cymbidium Society of America, Inc. In fact, the Society's website keeps current information on cultivation, and on congresses and judging. The Society may be visited at www.cymbidium.org. == == === === === === === === === === === === === === === ===