Cymbidiums originate from cool areas in Asia, being found growing on tree forks, stumps, damp rocky slopes with lots of tree litter and logs. They need very bright indirect light and cool to cold growing conditions. Water frequently in summer and spring. Water can be reduced a bit in autumn and about once a week in winter to keep soil moist. Cymbidiums flower in winter.

Ideal summer day temperatures are 24 – 29 ºC or more. Late summer to autumn night temperatures should be between 10 – 15 ºC to initiate flower spike growth. Ideal winter day temperatures are 18 – 24 ºC. Ideal winter night temperatures are between 7 – 12 ºC. Temperatures below 4 degrees at night may harm the plant and frost is not good.

Humidity levels of 40 – 60% are ideal. Good airflow is important when plants are in flower to prevent botrytis spots on flowers. Fertilise with high nitrogen fertiliser during growth season – spring to late summer (30 – 10 – 10). Swap to a high phosphorus blossom-booster fertiliser in late summer to grow the flower spikes (10 – 30 – 20). Fertilise at full strength every week to fortnight during spring-summer-autumn. In winter fertilise once a month.

Repotting can be done in spring. Repot a 6 inch pot into a 7 inch pot. Use an open mix which is either coir-based or bark-based. Perlite is often found in cymbidium mix and improves drainage.