Light
Cymbidium orchids are considered cool growing, high light orchids. As such, they require some direct sunlight with bright, indirect light throughout the rest of the day. The more direct light you can give your Cymbidium without burning it, the better it will grow and bloom for you.
Water
Cymbidiums are terrestrial orchids, growing in the ground, so you want to maintain an even moisture in your pot, never allowing it to go completely dry between watering.
Fertilizer
Cymbidums are heavy feeders and will appreciate a weak solution of all-purpose fertilizer every time you water.
Mix
Cymbidium roots will appreciate a fine to medium size bark mix, depending on the size of the plant and pot you use. Cymbidiums tend to get pot-bound when not re-potted frequently.
Temperature
Being a 'cool growing' orchid, Cymbidiums prefer cooler tempers and require at 20F drop in temperature during the night to really flower well. These cool night temperatures are required until the flowers open or they may blast from the lack of stimuli.
Here in the Washington DC area, we grow our Cymbidiums outside during the summer giving them as much light as we can without burning the leaves. Leaving them out in the fall when night time temperatures drops to around 40 is usually enought to initiate blooms.
Be sure to read our section on 'General Orchid Care' for tips on light, water, fertilizers and potting.
