Cymbidium dayanum

A medium-sized, evergreen, epiphytic orchid with narrow-linear, dark green, leathery leaves. Small, elliptic pseudobulbs are covered in basal leaf sheaths, carrying five to twelve leaves, up to 90cm long and approximately 1cm wide. The plant flowers in summer and autumn on upright or pendant stems, carrying five to fifteen, 4-5cm large flowers. The flowers have a distinct triangular shape, with the two petals bent forward. Flowers are white, with a distict dark red or purplish lines.

Grow in an open, free-draining orchid compost with addition of perlite, sphagnum moss or coir. Requires day temperatures around 16°C and 10°C at night. Provide good light levels, but avoid direct sunlight. Water plants thoroughly when compost is almost dry, allow to drain and use orchid fertiliser regularly during growing season. Reduce watering in winter. Place outside in dappled shade during the summer months to aid flower initiation. See cymbidium cultivation for more detailed information.

No pruning required. Cut down flowered stems to base.

Propagation by seed is only possible in a controlled laboratory environment. Mature plants may be divided in early or mid spring, when the plant overgrows its container. Each division should have at least 3 older pseudobulbs with a sufficient amount of stored energy and water, to support new growth and reduce stress after repotting.

Generally disease-free. Sterilising cutting tools may prevent virus diseases, such as Cymbidium Mosaic Virus (CMV).

Cymbidium dayanum

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