How To Make Cymbidiums Bloom

Cymbidiums love fresh cool air to bloom. If you grow them indoors you make sure they have enough light and cool temperatures. They can be moved outside from May-August (depending on climate change) and what part of the country you live in. You want it to get down to 50-55 degrees at night and up to the 70’s during the day. If Cymbidiums get too hot, they may not bloom. I keep my Cymbidiums in a cool, dry area on a porch during the summer and indoors during the winter. I live in North Idaho, so our winters do go down below freezing. During the summer I monitor the watering very closely because they get thirsty in the summer months and they dry faster outside. I water once per week in the cooler part of summer. Twice per week when we go over 80 degrees.

 Light

Unless you’re in the northern states, no direct sun. Hang a shade cloth to hide them from direct sun. Dappled light is okay as long as it does not burn the leaves. Where I live, the summer sun can get very hot, and I shade the greenhouse in the afternoon. Southern states will have to protect them from direct sun and high heats. Perhaps a covered porch with some air blowing on them. They don’t like it over 70 degrees so you may have to grow indoors. Give them the maximum amount of light without burning them.

Artificial lights use them for 10-12 hours. They can’t get sunburned but they need lots of light to bloom. If your leaves are dark green, that means there is not enough light. They Cymbidium leaves should be a lighter green.

Water To Keep Damp But Not Soaked

Cymbidiums like to be damp but not soaked. So, you can water according to where you live and how dry or humid it is. When the Cymbidiums are outdoors for hot days, use a spray bottle and mist them with warm water. In some states you may have to water three times per week, like Arizona. In some states like Michigan you may only need to water once per week. Keep track of your moisture in the media.

If you live in the middle states, you will often see lots of foliage on the Cymbidiums but not blooms. It is all about cool temperatures and lots of light. This can be accomplished but it takes some tweaking to get it right. Don’t give up. They will bloom after you figure out how to keep them cool and in bright light.

Take care and have fun. When Cymbidiums bloom, they are glorious and last for many weeks and often several months. For the first bloom expect one or two branches to bloom. It increases every year. Don’t forget to feed them twice per month during the growing summer season.