Cymbidiums are said to be the unique ones in the bunch when talking about orchid care. This kind of orchid is one that can thrive freely outside the walls of greenhouses and similar structures. In fact, because it does so well outside, it has been a preferred garden plant. It is not "choosy" in its soil, temperature and moisture requirements.

To help you be able to grow them successfully, here are 10 important rules that you need to consider:

Temperature

Cymbidiums are one of the most enduring types of orchids when it comes to temperature. They have been found growing in temperatures ranging from as low as 18°F to as high as 110°F, for a limited amount of time. These species of orchids are best cultivated outdoors because they can tolerate virtually any temperature change.

During severe winters these orchids should be relocated inside if you want to have them live through the season. Although they might stand the extreme cold for a combined total of two weeks, it could still mean death to them if left outside unattended.

If you wish to be sure that your cymbidium orchids will flower and grow then leave them alone in a place where the temperature is between 68°F to 104°F. Although there are certain parts Florida that these plants will not blossom because it seems that the night air is a little warmer than they would like it to be. Other than that, cymbidiums are the perfect plants for areas with changing temperature.

Light

Since cymbidiums are mostly the outdoor kind of orchids, they need a lot of sunlight. During summer they can be exposed to direct sunlight and still survive. Keep in mind though, anything that is too much can harm any plant, as is the case with orchids of this species.

The perfect condition for cymbidiums is under the shade of a bigger tree where the light is filtered by the leaves and the shade. If you cannot find a place like this, anything that can provide adequate shade for them during the harsh summer is fine. During winter, these plants need sunlight more than ever so whenever you can, look for an area for them where they can sulk in the light for long periods of time.

Soil

Although cymbidiums can grow in almost any type of soil, this species of orchids seems to thrive best in leafmold. Mix equal parts of leafmold and leafsoil together with a little bit of gravel and you have the perfect soil mixture for cymbidiums.

Drainage

A significant part and often one of the things that growers do not remember when growing these orchids is the drainage. In their natural habitats, cymbidiums are found to grow in places where there is proper and adequate drainage, so you must recreate this when they are cultivated.

A suggested way to do this is by planting them in raised beds, six to twelve inches above the ground. This will ensure that the extra water will automatically be drained off the soil. Some orchid growers even place a bedrock at the bottom of their orchids then fill it with compost to act as a drainage system.

Bedrock

Aside from providing the proper drainage, placing a bedrock at the bottom of the soil will also help your cymbidiums with moisture management. Bury them under the ground with less than half of the bedrock peaking through. This will make sure that during the hot days their root systems stay cool and in winter will keep them warm enough by draining excess water.

Fertilizer

When it comes to plant food and these types of orchids, the jury is still out. Most orchid growers who use plant food say that feeding cymbidiums do wonders for them. Now the only thing that you have to be careful not to do is to let the fertilizer touch its shoots. This is essential because once this happens they will most likely burn and rot.

You can use either liquid fertilizers or ground manure. Just keep in mind not to overdo it. Two times each year for ground manure and every three months for liquid fertilizer will be enough to provide the nutrients they require.

Water

Cymbidiums compared to other types of orchids need less water. Since the majority prefers to cultivate them outdoors, you can simply water them once or twice a month even in the summer. And during winter, you can even forget about watering them because the regular rainfall takes care of that for you.

Pots

During winter, where very low temperatures cannot be avoided, you may want to move your cymbidiums into pots. Or if you have decided to cultivate them indoors, the task of selecting a pot for these species of orchids is also significant.

The ideal pots for cymbidiums are those that can provide adequate drainage. Keep them away from shallow pots and fern pans. These pots can quickly heat up and can dry out the roots. Deep clay pots with a layer of rocks at the base are more suitable for they are cooler and give adequate drainage.

Medium

Picking a medium for cymbidiums is fairly easy. As previously explained they basically thrive in practically any type of soil. But two favorites are osmunda and leafmold. But if you prefer another soil mixture, it will be okay. The only compost known not to support cymbidiums is gravel. As long as you avoid that, you are good to go.

Repotting

Lastly and maybe one of the most crucial steps to cultivating robust cymbidiums is repotting. Because cymbidium orchids have very delicate root systems they do not react well to repotting. They are said to experience shock easily. When repotting, ensure that the roots stay intact or else you would not see them blossom for a year or two. Some growers even wait two to three years before attempting such a task.

No matter where you decide to grow them, inside or outdoors, cymbidiums are very generous orchids when it comes to blooms. So make sure to keep these essentials in mind. And if you are searching for the least picky plants of all the species of orchids, then cymbidiums are the answer for you.