Cymbidiums are largely terrestrial orchids native to cool tropical jungles, from the Himalayas eastward through southern Asia. For at least two hundred years they were hybridized and grown in cool greenhouses by English collectors.

During World War II many varieties were sent to Santa Barbara, California to save them from the bombs. It soon became clear that cymbidiums would flourish outdoors in Southern California, They multiplied so rapidly that when the loaned varieties were sent home after the war, more plants were left in Southern California than were sent home.

They’ve since become one of the country’s best plants for winter and spring bloom, outdoors in warmer areas, and indoors in cooler areas.

In the Bay Area, Cymbidiums are most happy in containers. Wood, plastic, terra cotta or the new lightweight Eurocast containers all work equally well. Many people have their own ‘secret’ container mixes but we find that potting mix of about one-half orchid mix and one-half orchid bark (1 inch in diameter) to which about one-eighth part perlite has been added works very well. Then we top dress with straight orchid bark for a neat appearance.

Cymbidiums come as standards, which are up to 3 feet tall, and dwarf, which are about one half that size. Generally, the dwarfs start to bloom before Christmas and the standards bloom after Christmas.

Cymbidiums need some direct sun in order to bloom well. Place them outdoors under a light foliaged tree such as a birch or on a porch or patio where they will receive morning or afternoon sun. Full sun from 11 am to 3 pm is too hot.

Cymbidiums also need fall chilling in order to bloom well. They should be located out of doors or in another area where the night time temperature will drop below 55°F during October/November. Don’t worry about winter freezing unless the temperature drops below 25°F.

We water our plants once or twice a week during the depending on how hot it is. Remember, no standing water in the pot saucer lest the bark start to rot. The bark and mix down about 2 inches should be moist but not soggy.

Finally, the fertilizer. This is another controversial topic. Many people prefer the multicolored water-soluble, ‘grow more’ orchid fertilizers with different proportions for different times of the year. These are dissolved in water and applied every 10 to 14 days. Other gardeners will apply the time release 14-14-14 Osmocote once every three or four months. With 60 to 70 cymbidiums and other chores , we opt for the latter method and then dunk them for 5 to 10 minutes once a year in a fish emulsion solution to pick up any missing micro-nutrients.

The main pests of cymbidiums are snails, slugs and aphids. Use Cooke Slug-n-Snail granules or Sluggo for the snails and slugs and Safer Yard & Garden Insect Killer for the aphids.

Roses, orchids, bromeliads, azaleas and other indoor plants are just a few ideas for Mom. We are happy to custom plant an indoor “European Garden’ with a few days' notice. We have fountains, statuary and garden furniture to dress up the perfect garden that special lady has worked hard to plant and groom. If you can’t decide on the perfect gift Wegman Gift Cards are always just right.

Something special for Mother's Day! This hydrangea flowers on new wood to extend color throughout the season. Deadhead promptly for repeat bloom. Clear blue mop-head blooms turn pink in alkaline soils, and are 8 inches in diameter. Deep green foliage is lush and mildew resistant. An excellent cold-hardy addition to dappled shade under tree canopies. Deciduous. Shade or part shade. Moderate growth to 5 feet tall and as wide.