Getting a Cymbidium orchid to bloom can be a bit of a challenge. These beauties are a little picky—if their environment isn’t just right, they simply won’t produce those gorgeous flower spikes. If your orchid is sitting in a spot with constant, warm temperatures, your Cymbidium likely won’t bloom at all. Want to know the secret to getting those flower spikes to appear? Let’s dive into what these orchids actually need!
The Perfect Conditions for Flower Spikes
Cymbidium orchids typically start their blooming season in the fall, and their flowers can last for several weeks, often brightening up your home well into the winter. But here’s the catch: the plant will only trigger a flower spike if it experiences a significant temperature drop between day and night.
If you want to see those blooms, you’ll need to mimic their natural environment:
- Fluctuating temperatures starting in late summer
- Around 70°F (20°C) during the day
- Around 55°F (12°C) at night
- Consistently high humidity
Steps You Can Take
Starting in August, it’s time to find the perfect “chilly” spot for your orchid to encourage those spikes. You’re looking for a place that hits about 70°F during the day and drops to the mid-50s at night. Since most of our living rooms stay at a steady, cozy temperature, they aren’t usually the best spot. Instead, try a sunroom, a bright mudroom, or a hallway window where it gets a bit of warmth during the day but cools down significantly at night.
Just remember: while they like light, keep them out of harsh, direct sunlight. They also crave about 60% humidity. A simple trick to boost the moisture in the air is to place a pebble tray with water near the plant.
Repotting After the Blooms Fade
Once you’ve successfully coaxed your Cymbidium into blooming, you’ll get to enjoy its stunning flowers for weeks throughout the winter.
After the flowering season is over, it’s the perfect time to repot your plant. You should definitely do this if the current pot is looking a little cramped and you want to ensure another round of beautiful blooms next year!
