Boat Orchid problems — and how to fix them

The most common complaint. Cymbidiums need a marked autumn night-temperature drop (nights of about 10-15C / 50-60F, around 10-15F cooler than day) plus strong light to initiate flower spikes; kept warm and shaded indoors they stay leafy and bloomless.

Newly formed buds shrivel and drop before opening. Usually triggered by sudden temperature swings, low humidity, drafts, or erratic watering. Keep conditions steady and humid (around 50%) once spikes appear.

Soft yellow leaves most often signal overwatering and waterlogged roots, which suffocate and rot. Let the mix dry slightly between waterings, ensure free drainage, and never leave the pot in standing water.

Yellow bleached patches or brown crispy edges come from too much direct summer sun. Move to bright but filtered light or light shade during hot months.

Watch for scale, mealybugs, aphids, and red spider mites (the latter favoured by dry air); slugs and snails can damage plants and flowers kept outdoors. Inspect leaf undersides and treat early.

Appears as pale streaks that progress to pitted, bleached, mottled leaves. Viruses are incurable and spread on contaminated tools, so sterilise cutting blades between plants and discard confirmed cases to protect a collection.