Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
CYMBIDIUM eburneum
Plant Common Name
Cymbidium Orchid, Ivory Cymbidium
General Description
Ivory cymbidium's flowers are white, as the name suggests, but also faintly blushed with pale pink. Its signature feature is a delicious fragrance akin to that of lilacs. Native from northern India to Vietnam, this tropical epiphyte (tree dweller) or lithophyte (rock dweller) can be found growing in cool highland cloud forests and cliff sides.
Long, light green, sword-shaped leaves arise from the oval pseudobulbs of this large, clump-forming evergreen orchid. Actively growing in the warm rains of summer, the pseudobulbs mature by the start of the cool, moist winter. A flower stalk lined with one to three flowers appears from winter into spring. Each flower is white to creamy ivory with hints of pink. The insect pollinated blossoms have ruffled labellums (lips) with yellow throats and are extremely long lasting.
Grow ivory cymbidium in nearly full sun and friable, humus rich potting medium or fine tree bark nuggets. It adapts well to container culture as long as water can freely drain from the roots. Healthy leaves are yellow-green. If they become dark green, they need more light. Provide ample water with diluted fertilizer when plants are actively growing in spring and summer. By late summer, offer them cool or chilly night temperatures to induce flowering.
This large orchid is an ideal tropical accent plant for floral borders, large containers or tree gardens. Indoor specimens should be grown in cool sun rooms with bright light. Protect from hard freezes, warm nighttime temperatures and do not over water. The flowers are magnificent when cut for arrangements or corsages.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
10 - 5
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Epiphyte
-
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
-
Height
20"-30" / 50.8cm - 76.2cm
-
Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
-
Native To
Southern Asia, India, Nepal, China
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
-
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
-
Soil type
Sand
-
Growth Rate
Slow
-
Water Requirements
Average Water
-
Habit
Clump-Forming
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Evergreen
Yes
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No
