Genus guide
Cymbidium — 19 species
Part of the Orchids family (Orchidaceae)
Cymbidium are cool-growing terrestrial orchids prized for their long-lasting flower spikes — a single stem can carry up to 30 blooms in white, pink, yellow, or burgundy. They thrive in bright, indirect light with some winter morning sun and prefer a well-drained bark mix kept evenly moist during the growing season, then watered more sparingly in winter. Species such as the Giant Cymbidium and Noble Cymbidium need a cool autumn drop to 50°F (10°C) to initiate flowering. Toxicity varies across the genus; check each species with ASPCA before buying if you have cats or dogs.
All Cymbidium species we cover
- Boat Orchid
- Boat Orchid
- Cymbidium 'Red Beauty'
- Cymbidium 'Sarah Jean'
- Cymbidium 'Showgirl'
- Cymbidium devonianum
- Cymbidium erythrostylum
- Cymbidium Golden Elf 'Sundust'
- Cymbidium tracyanum
- Free-Flowering Cymbidium
- Giant Cymbidium
- Golden-Edged Cymbidium
- Ivory Cymbidium
- Low's Cymbidium
- Low's Cymbidium
- Noble Cymbidium
- Noble Cymbidium
- Sleeping Beauty Cymbidium
- Snake Orchid
Cymbidium — frequently asked questions
Are Cymbidium plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Cymbidium are pet-safe. Of the 19 Cymbidium species we cover, 18 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 1 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Cymbidium plants need?
Most Cymbidium do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Cymbidium easy to care for?
Cymbidium are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Cymbidium varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 19 Cymbidium species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Cymbidium, the rest follow closely.
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