Cymbidium sinense aka Chinese Cymbidium

Cymbidium sinense is a terrestrial orchid requiring a well-draining orchid mix rather than standard potting soil. An ideal medium consists of medium-grade fir bark in the lower portion of the pot with finer bark at the top, mixed with approximately 10% perlite and 10% charcoal. Adding a small amount of chopped sphagnum moss helps retain moisture. Traditional Asian growers use a layered approach with larger rocks at the bottom graduating to smaller porous stones at the top, ensuring excellent drainage while maintaining consistent moisture around the roots.

Cymbidium sinense thrives in moderate to high humidity levels of 40-60%, with higher humidity beneficial during summer months. Good air circulation is essential to prevent fungal issues, particularly Botrytis, which can damage the flowers. If growing indoors in dry conditions, grouping plants together, placing them on humidity trays with pebbles and water, or using a room humidifier will help maintain adequate moisture levels around the foliage.

Feed Cymbidium sinense according to its growth cycle. During active growth from late winter through summer, apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer (30-10-10) at quarter strength weekly to promote leaf and pseudobulb development. From late summer onwards, switch to a bloom-boosting formula high in phosphorus and potassium (3-12-6) to encourage flower spike formation. Always fertilize after watering to prevent root burn, and flush the pot thoroughly with clear water monthly to prevent salt buildup in the medium.

Cymbidium sinense performs best with day temperatures of 18-24°C (64-75°F) and cooler nights of 7-13°C (44-55°F). This temperature differential is crucial for initiating flower spikes. From late summer through autumn, night temperatures should drop to 10-15°C (50-60°F) to trigger blooming. The species is surprisingly cold-tolerant, surviving brief exposure to temperatures as low as -3°C (27°F), though prolonged frost will cause damage. In climates with harsh winters, move plants indoors when temperatures drop below 5°C (40°F).

Divide Cymbidium sinense in spring after flowering has finished. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the clump into sections, ensuring each division has at least one new growth point and three healthy pseudobulbs. Cut through the rhizome with a sterile blade and dust the cut surfaces with cinnamon or fungicide. Old back-bulbs without leaves can be potted separately or kept bare-root in a humid environment until they produce new shoots, though this method requires patience and may take several months.

Cymbidium sinense reaches a height and spread of 0.5-1 metre at maturity, typically taking 2-5 years to achieve full size. The plant forms compact clumps of egg-shaped pseudobulbs (2-6 cm long) topped with arching, strap-like leaves that grow 60-90 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. Each mature pseudobulb produces 3-5 leaves. Growth rate is slow compared to many houseplants, with one new pseudobulb typically developing each growing season. Flowering stems emerge from the base and can reach up to 90 cm tall.

Cymbidium sinense blooms from autumn through spring, with peak flowering typically coinciding with Chinese New Year in January-February. Each upright spike carries 10-20 star-shaped flowers approximately 5 cm across. Blooms display considerable colour variation, from dark maroon and purplish-brown to green and cream, often with intricate markings on the lip. Individual flowers are long-lasting, typically remaining attractive for 6-8 weeks. To initiate flowering, plants require a distinct drop in night temperatures (10-15°C) during late summer and autumn.

Cymbidium sinense is renowned for its sweet, distinctive fragrance, earning it the title 'King of Fragrance' in Chinese orchid culture. The scent intensifies in warm conditions during daytime, capable of perfuming an entire room. Some growers describe the fragrance as mild and sweet, while others find it quite strong. The pleasant floral scent is one of the primary reasons this species has been cultivated for over 2,500 years and remains highly prized among orchid enthusiasts.

Cymbidium sinense displays remarkable natural variation, with thousands of cultivated varieties in China and Japan. Popular cultivars include 'Chin Hua Shan' (known for exceptional fragrance despite fewer flowers), 'Green Petal', and 'Fu Cui Jin Long'. Colour forms range from the typical dark maroon through green, cream, and pure white (var. album). Many cultivars feature ornamental leaf variations with yellow or white stripes and variegated edges. The species has also been extensively used in hybridization to create fragrant Cymbidium hybrids.

Cymbidium sinense can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9-12 and in frost-free regions with mild winters. In temperate climates, plants benefit from spending summer outdoors in dappled shade, as exposure to natural temperature fluctuations and cooler autumn nights promotes flowering. Move plants indoors or to a greenhouse when temperatures drop below 5°C (40°F). In its native habitat, the species tolerates brief exposure to light frost (-3°C), but prolonged cold damages the foliage and can kill the plant.

Cymbidium sinense is native to a broad region spanning East and Southeast Asia, including southern and central China, Taiwan, Japan (including Yakushima and the Nansei-shoto islands), Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Hainan, and the eastern Himalayas (Assam). In its natural habitat, it grows in lowland humid forests at elevations of 300-2,000 metres, typically in rich humus within damp rock crevices or alongside steep watercourses where it receives filtered light and consistent moisture from mist and splash.

Repot Cymbidium sinense every 2-4 years in spring after flowering, or when the plant becomes overcrowded with pseudobulbs pushing against the pot edges. Choose a container 8-10 cm larger than the current one to allow for 2-3 years of growth. Tall, narrow pots are preferred as the roots grow long and deep. During repotting, remove all dead or rotten roots, trim excessively long roots, and allow the root ball to air briefly before placing in fresh orchid medium. Avoid disturbing the roots more often than necessary, as Cymbidiums resent frequent repotting.

Cymbidium sinense requires minimal pruning. After flowering, cut spent flower spikes at the base using sterile scissors or secateurs to direct energy back into the plant. Remove any yellowed, dead, or damaged leaves by cutting them cleanly at the base. Old leafless pseudobulbs ('back-bulbs') can be left attached as they continue to store energy, or removed during repotting if they appear shriveled or are causing overcrowding. Always sterilize cutting tools with flame or alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading viruses between plants.

Spider mites are the most common pest, causing silvery stippling on leaves and fine webbing underneath. Scale insects appear as small brown or white bumps on leaves and pseudobulbs, producing sticky honeydew. Mealybugs cluster in leaf axils as white cottony masses. Treat infestations by wiping affected areas with isopropyl alcohol or applying neem oil. Common diseases include root rot from overwatering, Botrytis petal blight in humid conditions with poor air circulation, and Cymbidium mosaic virus (appearing as brown or purple leaf spots), which has no cure and requires destroying infected plants to prevent spread.

Yellowing leaves on Cymbidium sinense can indicate several issues. Natural senescence causes the oldest leaves to yellow and die back gradually—this is normal. Excessive direct sunlight causes bleaching that starts as pale yellow patches. Overwatering leads to root rot, causing leaves to yellow from the base and feel soft. Underwatering or low humidity produces dry, yellow leaf tips. Spider mite infestations create a distinctive mottled yellow stippling pattern. Check the roots first—healthy roots are white or green with green tips; brown mushy roots indicate rot requiring immediate repotting in fresh medium.

Keep Cymbidium sinense leaves clean by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, which can block light and harbour pests. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog the stomata and interfere with gas exchange. Check the undersides of leaves regularly while cleaning for early signs of spider mites or scale. Note that RHS advises wearing gloves when handling this species, as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Cymbidium sinense has documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the whole dried plant is used in decoctions (6-12g). According to TCM principles, the plant is considered cool in nature with acrid and slightly bitter taste. Traditional applications include treating fever, removing toxins, improving blood circulation, and healing ulcers and traumatic injuries. However, these uses are based on traditional practice rather than modern clinical studies. Always consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.

If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Chinese Cymbidium will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.

Chinese Cymbidium should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

To ensure optimal growth, the Chinese Cymbidium prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it is common for Chinese Cymbidium plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.