Troubleshooting
Giant Cymbidium problems — and how to fix them
Giant Cymbidium (Cymbidium giganteum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Failure to bloom
This species needs pronounced cool temperatures (nights below 12°C/54°F) from August through October to initiate autumn flower spikes. In warm climates, outdoor placement during summer nights or a well-ventilated cool house is essential.
Scale insects
Brown or white scale colonise the base of leaves and pseudobulbs. Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in methylated spirit, then treat with a systemic insecticide or neem oil. Inspect plants every 4 weeks as scale populations build rapidly in stale air.
Slugs and snails damaging new growth
Particularly damaging in greenhouse situations. Use iron phosphate or ferric phosphate slug pellets around the base of containers, check under pots at night, and keep staging clear of debris where molluscs shelter.
Prevent giant cymbidium problems before they start
Most giant cymbidium issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for giant cymbidium in general rather than its problems? Read the full giant cymbidium care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Giant Cymbidium problems — FAQ
Why is my giant cymbidium failure to bloom?
This species needs pronounced cool temperatures (nights below 12°C/54°F) from August through October to initiate autumn flower spikes. In warm climates, outdoor placement during summer nights or a well-ventilated cool house is essential.
Why is my giant cymbidium scale insects?
Brown or white scale colonise the base of leaves and pseudobulbs. Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in methylated spirit, then treat with a systemic insecticide or neem oil. Inspect plants every 4 weeks as scale populations build rapidly in stale air.
Why is my giant cymbidium slugs and snails damaging new growth?
Particularly damaging in greenhouse situations. Use iron phosphate or ferric phosphate slug pellets around the base of containers, check under pots at night, and keep staging clear of debris where molluscs shelter.