Question
Hello Jim,

I recently received a large cymbidium plant as a gift.
The plant came with fully bloomed flowers on five spikes.
I moved the plant from one location to another one with different lighting and watering conditions. Within the first two days of the move, some of the flowers have turned brown and fallen off. I have had this plant for four weeks now. What is the average flower lifetime for Cymbidiums?

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Michelle,

What a nice gift!  A cymbidium orchid plant with 5 spikes!  

Cymbidium flowers can last from 4 weeks and upwards of 2 months and even longer.  Most short lived cymbidium flowers bloom in late summer, those that bloom in winter usually last over 2 months.  If they were already open when you got it, it just may be time.  But, if they opened recently, early flower death can be caused by several things.  Things such as fruits close by as ripening fruits may emit a gas that is deadly to flowers.  Sudden temperatures changes caused by cold drafts from an open window or even hot air from a heater vent near by.  If the room has been painted recently, drying paint odors can also cause it.  

As for the cymbidium plant itself, if taken care of properly it probably will outlive you, your children, grandchildren and so on.  

Hope this has helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.