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Cymbidium orchids, commonly known as “boat orchids” (“cymbidium” is Greek for “boat”), are native to the Himalayas, and feature sprays of large blooms with boat-shaped petals on a flower spike. With proper care, Cymbidium orchids can have a vase life of up to fourteen days.
Cymbidium Types and Colour Varieties
Cymbidiums are sold by the stem and come in large and mini sizes that are sourced from many different areas of the world depending on the time of year. From November through May, they are available from British Columbia in Canada, and from June through October, from New Zealand.
Colours
Both large and mini Cymbidium stems come in many colours such as white, pink, light pink, burgundy, green, bronze, and yellow.
Life Span, Storage, and Special Considerations
Cymbidiums can last seven to fourteen days in a vase from the time you get them, making them one of the longest-lasting orchids available. To avoid damaging these blooms, store them between 12 to 15 Celsius, which is generally warmer than most floral coolers. Alternatively, keeping them outside the cooler at room temperate can help avoid causing any harm to these delicate orchids. Also keep these beautiful blooms away from designs using fruit as they are also ethylene sensitive.
Protecting Cymbidiums and Maximizing Usage
Sometimes you might receive a Cymbidium stem that is more top-heavy, which can put it in danger of snapping off. To help avoid any accidents, twirl a curly willow or floral wire right up through the stem to help support the blooms during transportation. Using a Curly Willow can also enhance the particular arrangement that you are doing!
If you don’t need the height of your Cymbidium orchids, or just want to make the most of them in a variety of design options, you can also cut a few blooms off the bottom and use them in lower container designs. You will still be left with a good portion of the stem that you can use in a vase arrangement.
Need a better visual? Watch our video below as Audrey Finch, Florists Supply Cut Flower Customer Service Representative of 22 years, shows you these Cymbidium care tips in action.
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