107 Species of Genus Cymbidium

Cymbidium Orchids: A Personal Fascination

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the elegant beauty of orchids. Among the many genera, Cymbidium holds a special place in my heart. These stunning orchids, often called “boat orchids” due to the shape of their labellum (the modified petal that serves as a landing platform for pollinators), are native to the cool, mountainous regions of Asia and Australia. Their resilience, diversity, and captivating blooms have made them a favorite among orchid enthusiasts worldwide, myself included.

A Diverse Genus

The Cymbidium genus encompasses a wide array of species, each with its own unique characteristics. Some are epiphytes, growing on trees, while others are terrestrial, rooting in the ground. Some thrive in cool climates, while others prefer warmer temperatures. This diversity is part of what makes Cymbidiums so fascinating.

Here are:

1. Cymbidium acuminatum M.A.Clem. & D.L.Jones
2. Cymbidium aliciae Quisumb.
3. Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw.
4. Cymbidium atrolabium X.Y.Liao, S.R.Lan & Z.J.Liu
5. Cymbidium atropurpureum (Lindl.) Rolfe
6. Cymbidium × ballianum Rolfe
7. Cymbidium banaense Gagnep.
8. Cymbidium × baoshanense F.Y.Liu & Perner
9. Cymbidium bicolor Lindl.
10. Cymbidium biflorens D.Y.Zhang, S.R.Lan & Z.J.Liu
11. Cymbidium borneense J.J.Wood
12. Cymbidium brevifolium Zhuang Zhou, S.R.Lan & Z.J.Liu
13. Cymbidium canaliculatum R.Br.
14. Cymbidium changningense Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
15. Cymbidium × charlesworthii Rolfe & Hurst
16. Cymbidium chloranthum Lindl.
17. Cymbidium cochleare Lindl.
18. Cymbidium codonanthum Yuting Jiang, Liang Ma & S.Chen
19. Cymbidium concinnum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
20. Cymbidium crassifolium Herb.
21. Cymbidium × cravenianim Anon.
22. Cymbidium cyperifolium Wall. ex Lindl.
23. Cymbidium daweishanense G.Q.Zhang & Z.J.Liu
24. Cymbidium dayanum Rchb.f.
25. Cymbidium defoliatum Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen
26. Cymbidium devonianum Paxton
27. Cymbidium dianlan H.He
28. Cymbidium × dilatatiphyllum J.M.H.Shaw
29. Cymbidium eburneum Lindl.
30. Cymbidium elegans Lindl.
31. Cymbidium elongatum J.J.Wood, Du Puy & Shim
32. Cymbidium ensifolium (L.) Sw.
33. Cymbidium erythraeum Lindl.
34. Cymbidium erythrostylum Rolfe
35. Cymbidium faberi Rolfe
36. Cymbidium finlaysonianum Lindl.
37. Cymbidium floribundum Lindl.
38. Cymbidium × florinda Rolfe
39. Cymbidium formosanum Hayata
40. Cymbidium × fugongense S.Ke, S.R.Lan & Z.J.Liu
41. Cymbidium × gammieanum King & Pantl.
42. Cymbidium gaoligongense Z.J.Liu & J.Yong Zhang
43. Cymbidium × glebelandense Rolfe
44. Cymbidium goeringii (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f.
45. Cymbidium haematodes Lindl.
46. Cymbidium hartinahianum J.B.Comber & Nasution
47. Cymbidium hengbungense A.N.Rao, Chowlu, H.B.Sharma, K.S.Thithila & D.S.Thokchom
48. Cymbidium × hillii F.Muell. ex Regel
49. Cymbidium hookerianum Rchb.f.
50. Cymbidium induratifolium Z.J.Liu & J.N.Zhang
51. Cymbidium insigne Rolfe
52. Cymbidium iridioides D.Don
53. Cymbidium jiangchengense Ying L.Peng, S.R.Lan & Z.J.Liu
54. Cymbidium kanran Makino
55. Cymbidium lancifolium Hook.
56. Cymbidium lii M.Z.Huang, J.M.Yin & G.S.Yang
57. Cymbidium longipes Z.J.Liu & J.N.Zhang
58. Cymbidium lowianum (Rchb.f.) Rchb.f.
59. Cymbidium macrorhizon Lindl.
60. Cymbidium madidum Lindl.
61. Cymbidium maguanense F.Y.Liu
62. Cymbidium × malipoense L.J.Chen, Hong B.Zhou & Z.J.Liu
63. Cymbidium mastersii Griff. ex Lindl.
64. Cymbidium micranthum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
65. Cymbidium × monanthum J.M.H.Shaw
66. Cymbidium motuoense W.Q.Hu, Qinghai Zhang & Z.J.Liu
67. Cymbidium munronianum King & Pantl.
68. Cymbidium nanulum Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen
69. Cymbidium × nishiuchianum Makino ex J.M.H.Shaw
70. Cymbidium × nomachianum T.Yukawa & Nob.Tanaka
71. Cymbidium × nujiangense X.P.Zhou, S.P.Lei & Z.J.Liu
72. Cymbidium × oblancifolium Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
73. Cymbidium omeiense Y.S.Wu & S.C.Chen
74. Cymbidium parishii Rchb.f.
75. Cymbidium puerense Z.J.Liu & S.R.Lan
76. Cymbidium × purpuratum L.J.Chen, Li.Q.Li & Z.J.Liu
77. Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan
78. Cymbidium qiubeiense K.M.Feng & H.Li
79. Cymbidium rectum Ridl.
80. Cymbidium recurvatum Z.J.Liu, S.C.Chen & P.J.Cribb
81. Cymbidium repens Aver. & Q.T.Phan
82. Cymbidium × rosefieldense Rolfe
83. Cymbidium roseum J.J.Sm.
84. Cymbidium sanderae (Rolfe) P.J.Cribb & Du Puy
85. Cymbidium sangii Aver. & V.C.Nguyen
86. Cymbidium schroederi Rolfe
87. Cymbidium seidenfadenii (P.J.Cribb & Du Puy) P.J.Cribb
88. Cymbidium serratum Schltr.
89. Cymbidium shidianense G.Z.Chen, G.Q.Zhang & L.J.Chen
90. Cymbidium sichuanicum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
91. Cymbidium sigmoideum J.J.Sm.
92. Cymbidium sinense (Andrews) Willd.
93. Cymbidium suave R.Br.
94. Cymbidium suavissimum Sander ex C.H.Curtis
95. Cymbidium tamphianum Aver.
96. Cymbidium teretipetiolatum Z.J.Liu & S.C.Chen
97. Cymbidium tigrinum C.S.P.Parish ex Hook.
98. Cymbidium tortisepalum Fukuy.
99. Cymbidium tracyanum L.Castle
100. Cymbidium viride Sanjeet Kumar
101. Cymbidium wadae T.Yukawa
102. Cymbidium weishanense X.Yu & Z.J.Liu
103. Cymbidium wenshanense Y.S.Wu & F.Y.Liu
104. Cymbidium whiteae King & Pantl.
105. Cymbidium wilsonii H.J.Veitch
106. Cymbidium × woodlandense Rolfe
107. Cymbidium xichouense Xin Y.Xu, C.C.Ding & S.R.Lan

Cultivating Cymbidiums

While Cymbidiums are native to mountainous regions, many hybrids have been developed that can thrive in a wider range of climates. I’ve found that with proper care, these orchids can be successfully cultivated in many home environments. They generally prefer bright, indirect light, cool temperatures, and high humidity. Good air circulation is also important to prevent fungal diseases.

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing Cymbidiums is witnessing the emergence of their flower spikes. These spikes can bear numerous blooms, creating a spectacular display that can last for several weeks. The flowers come in a wide array of colors, from pure white and pastel pink to vibrant yellow, orange, and red. Many Cymbidiums are also fragrant, adding another dimension to their appeal.

The Allure of Cymbidiums

For me, the appeal of Cymbidiums goes beyond their aesthetic beauty. These orchids possess a resilience and adaptability that I find admirable. They can withstand cool temperatures and even occasional frost, making them suitable for growing in a variety of climates. Their long-lasting blooms provide extended enjoyment, and their cultural significance in many Asian countries adds a layer of historical and symbolic interest.

Whether you are a seasoned orchid grower or just starting your journey into the world of orchids, I highly recommend exploring the captivating genus of Cymbidium. Their diversity, beauty, and resilience make them a rewarding addition to any plant collection.