Date: 04/02/2010

CYMBIDIUM 'Simulans'

Cymbidium simulans is a warm growing species of Cymbidium.

Cymbidium orchids are usually not widely cultivated in India. There is a general fear that they would flower only in cold environment. This is not always true. They originate from the Himalayas and the oriental regions and do prefer cold conditions. However many species have been acclimatised to warmer conditions and will flower in 'relative cold'.

We have experienced Cymbidiums flowering in Kerala during October to February months. This flower (photo on the right) is a result of optimum care for Cymbidiums in the Sobha Orchids garden. The winter temperatures of north of India is much colder than the south. A temperature range of 10 Deg C to 30 Deg C is ideal for Cymbidiums.

Photo: CYMBIDIUM 'Simulans'

Cymbidiums simulans produce 20-50 flowers in the spike. 1-1.5 inch size flowers are produced on a pendulous spike of 10 to 12 inches size. They are straw yellow coloured with deep voilet veins. They classically bloom during summer months. However we have experienced flowers during October to February season in Kerala.

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