Family
Orchidaceae
Botanical Name
Cymbidium lowianum
Plant Common Name
Cymbidium Orchid, Low's Cymbidium
General Description
Native to high elevation montane cloud forests, Low's cymbidium grows as an epiphyte (upon other plants) across Myanmar, Thailand, southwestern China and Vietnam. Flowering occurs from late winter into spring and variation exists among plants, particularly with respect to the color of the subdued flowers and lack or presence of floral fragrance.
This large, clump-forming, evergreen orchid has compressed pseudobulbs from which arise upright, lance-shaped leaves of light green. Active growth occurs in spring and summer and knee-high flower stems appear when temperatures cool in the fall and winter seasons. The stems (scapes) bear 12 to 40 flowers. Each blossom has five yellow-green tepals overlaid with variable orange-bronze coloration. The lower labellum (lip) displays rust-red, white and yellow flecks or smears.
Grow Low's cymbidium in nearly full shade in a container with coarse bark or mounted in a tree crotch. A sturdy hanging basket may also sustain the plant. Provide ample water and feed with diluted fertilizer in spring and summer when plants are actively growing. By late autumn, they require cool or chilly night temperatures which induce flowering. This species will tolerate very light frosts. Indoors specimens need high humidity and bright indirect light as well as plenty of space. The architecturally bold, but color challenged, flowers are long lasting when cut.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Epiphyte
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, China
Growing Conditions
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
