107 Species in 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. Plant FAQs: Cymbidium Floribundum
  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. Plant FAQs: Cymbidium Goeringii
  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.

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