Cymbidiums are strong-growing orchids that like room for their roots, regular water during active growth and a potting media that supports moisture while still draining properly. This guide explains how to grow Cymbidium orchids in Orchiata bark, including grade selection, potting, watering, fertiliser, temperature, light and troubleshooting.
Growing Cymbidiums in Orchiata
Cymbidiums can include heat-tolerant and non-heat-tolerant varieties, as well as terrestrial and epiphytic types. While different varieties may need extra care, many Cymbidiums grow in broadly similar conditions.
Unlike orchids that need to dry hard between watering, Cymbidiums prefer ample water during active growth. The official guide notes that it is nearly impossible to overwater Cymbidiums in active growth as long as pH and EC are correct and the pots drain properly.
Quick starting point: Young Cymbidiums usually suit finer Orchiata grades. As plants mature and move into larger pots, Classic, Power and Power+ become more useful depending on climate, pot size and root type.
Choosing the right pot for Cymbidiums
Cymbidiums are generally grown in plastic pots, often black or dark in colour. Unlike Phalaenopsis, most Cymbidium roots are not actively photosynthesising, so clear pots are not normally required.
Use suitable pot sizes
Cymbidiums need enough room for their roots to penetrate and grow, especially as plants mature.
Look for healthy roots
Healthy Cymbidium roots are typically cream coloured with large, bright white tips.
Prioritise drainage
Cymbidiums like water during active growth, but pots still need to drain freely and avoid pooled water.
Cymbidium potting stages
The official guide describes different potting systems depending on whether Cymbidiums are being grown for flowering pot plants, longer production cycles or cut flowers.
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Orchiata grades for Cymbidiums
Cymbidium grade selection depends on plant size, root type, climate and potting stage. The official guide recommends finer grades for young plants and larger grades for larger pots and longer production cycles.
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Root type matters: Thin-rooted Cymbidiums usually do better in smaller grades, while fat-rooted Cymbidiums generally prefer larger grades.
Approximate Orchiata required when repotting Cymbidiums
These figures are from the official guide and are useful when planning media volume by pot size.
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Repotting Cymbidiums
Repotting is usually linked to growth stage and how well the pot is occupied by roots. When plants produce a new shoot or roots become restricted, they may need moving into a larger pot.
Young plants
Community pots and small root trainers may only hold plants for 2–3 months while they harden off or transition.
Medium pots
9 cm and 12 cm pots are often used for around 6 months while plants build roots and develop shoots.
Larger pots
Larger Cymbidiums may remain in pots for more than 12 months to allow flowering.
Clean up dead tissue
Remove dead or damaged roots and tissue during repotting to reduce future disease risk.
Repotting note: Older Cymbidium roots can be trimmed up to 10–15 cm from the base of the bulbs. Use sterile tools when cutting roots or tissue.
Repotting timing and spacing
Cymbidium spacing changes as plants mature. Young plants can be grown close together, but larger plants need more air movement around leaves and flowers.
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The official guide lists total time at approximately 26–38 months, depending on the growing system.
Humidity and temperature
Cymbidiums prefer moderate humidity and consistent temperature management, especially around flowering.
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Flowering note: Once flower spikes appear, high temperatures can cause flower abortion. Consistency is especially important during this period.
Light for Cymbidiums
Cymbidiums can handle relatively high light compared with many other orchids. Leaf colour is a useful indicator of whether the light level is right.
Too little light
Dark green, lush foliage can indicate light levels are too low.
Too much light
Pale, scorched or drooping leaves can indicate excessive light or too much heat combined with light.
Shading
The guide notes that summer shading may be required, with lighter shading in winter.
The official guide gives early growth light levels of 500–800 micromol/m²/s, regular growth at 800–1000 micromol/m²/s, and flowering levels of 100–1500 micromol/m²/s depending on variety, flower colour and temperature.
Fertilising Cymbidiums
Cymbidiums are heavy feeders. Fertiliser can be supplied through controlled-release granules or liquid feed, depending on the growing system.
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Important fertiliser note: The guide warns that plain nitrate fertilisers can cause major problems in Cymbidiums and may increase time to maturity.
Watering Cymbidiums in Orchiata
Cymbidiums like ample water and should be irrigated regularly during active growth. Pots should stay moist but still drain freely.
Active growth
Regular irrigation is important. Frequent watering can be beneficial when plants are actively growing and feeding.
Summer
In hot, dry conditions, irrigation may be needed daily to keep pots moist and help manage humidity and temperature.
Winter
Watering may be reduced to around every 7–10 days, depending on conditions.
Do not dry completely
The guide warns not to let pots dry out completely, as this can create cracks in roots and entry points for disease.
Watering tip: Lift or weigh pots to learn the difference between a pot that is ready for watering and one that still has enough moisture.
Testing EC, pH and water quality
The official guide recommends testing media every 4–5 weeks to check salt levels. With controlled-release fertiliser, testing may be carried out every 8 weeks.
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The guide recommends the pour-through technique for checking pH and EC. It also notes that hard water with high bicarbonates may cause lime scale and white marks on leaves.
Troubleshooting Cymbidiums in Orchiata
Cymbidium issues are often linked to moisture, EC, pH, nutrient deficiencies, water quality or disease pressure.
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Beneficial organisms: The guide notes that Orchiata is not sterilised media. It contains natural beneficial organisms that may aid against pathogenic species.
Cymbidiums in Orchiata FAQs
What Orchiata grade is best for Cymbidiums?
It depends on plant size and potting stage. Precision or Precision/Classic is recommended for community pots, Classic for young plants, Classic or Power for 12 cm+ pots, and Power or Power+ for final potting.
Do Cymbidiums like more water than other orchids?
Yes. Cymbidiums like ample water during active growth and should be irrigated regularly, provided the pot drains well and pH and EC are managed correctly.
Should Cymbidiums dry out completely?
No. The official guide warns against letting pots dry out completely, as this can crack roots and create entry points for disease.
Can I mix Orchiata with coir for Cymbidiums?
Coir can be used in some situations, but the guide notes caution around salt levels, micronutrient deficiencies and disease issues. Mixing Orchiata with other media can also shorten its lifespan and is not generally required.
How much humidity do Cymbidiums need?
The guide recommends 40–60% humidity most of the time, with 60–80% tolerated during high-light periods. At flowering, humidity should be reduced to 40–60% with continuous air movement.
What EC should I aim for?
The official guide lists 0.8–1.2 mS/cm as desirable. EC of 1.2–1.5 mS/cm is getting high, and above 1.5 mS/cm requires flushing.
Shop Orchiata for Cymbidiums
These are the Orchiata grades most relevant to Cymbidium growing based on the official guide.
Orchiata Precision
3–6 mm bark. Recommended for community pots and young Cymbidiums, either alone or mixed with Classic.
Shop Orchiata Precision
Orchiata Classic
6–9 mm bark. Recommended for young plants and useful in hotter or drier conditions where more moisture retention is needed.
Shop Orchiata Classic
Orchiata Power
9–12 mm bark. Recommended for 12 cm+ pots, humid conditions and many final potting situations.
Shop Orchiata Power
Orchiata Power+
12–18 mm bark. Recommended for larger final pots and long-term Cymbidium production.
Shop Orchiata Power+
More Orchiata resources
This Cymbidium guide is part of our Orchiata growing guide series. For a broader overview, visit the main Orchiata growing guide. For production, quality assurance, grades and technical product information, visit the Orchiata technical guide.
