Plant guide
シンビジウム
Watering rhythm
Every 7–10 days
Cymbidiums are elegant orchids native to Southeast Asia. They produce spectacular blooms every winter through spring and are surprisingly easy to grow even in cool climates, making them a favorite for orchid beginners. Their understated, sophisticated flower colors last for an impressively long time.
Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun during summer, but during spring, autumn, and winter, position your plant where it receives dappled light through a window. Aim for temperatures between 10–25°C (50–77°F). To encourage better flowering, give your cymbidium a cool period of around 10°C (50°F) from autumn through winter—this chill is actually beneficial. Moderate humidity will keep it happy.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 6–9 days
Summer
Every 6–8 days
Autumn
Every 8–12 days
Winter
Every 12–18 days
Water when the surface of the soil feels dry, giving the whole plant a gentle soaking. Make sure excess water doesn't sit in the saucer. During the autumn and winter flowering period, let the plant dry out slightly between waterings to promote better blooms. Misting the leaves lightly is also helpful and appreciated.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Plant won't flower | Temperatures that are too warm in autumn and winter, or insufficient light, will prevent flower buds from forming. | From autumn through winter, place your plant in a cool spot around 10°C (50°F) and make sure it gets as much bright light as possible. This cool rest period is essential for next year's blooms. |
| Leaves turning yellow | Overwatering leading to root rot, or prolonged lack of light, are common culprits. | Let the soil dry out between waterings. Moving your plant to a brighter location with better air circulation will also help it recover. |
| Buds dropping off | Dry air, sudden temperature swings, or inconsistent watering tend to be the main triggers. | Mist around the plant regularly to raise humidity, and keep it in a spot where temperature stays fairly steady. Try to water on a consistent schedule. |
| Leaves developing dark patches | Too much moisture combined with poor air flow can allow fungal and bacterial growth. | Improve air circulation and avoid letting humidity get too high. Removing any dead or yellowing leaves around the base of the plant also helps. |
| Pest infestation | Scale insects and spider mites can appear during indoor cultivation in autumn and winter. | About once a month, gently rinse the leaves with a fine mist of water. If you spot pests, wipe them away with a damp cloth, or consider using an orchid-safe insecticide spray if the problem persists. |
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