🇮🇳 Habitat and Ecology
​Cymbidium erythraeum (the Red-Stained Cymbidium) is a medium-sized, evergreen pseudobulbous epiphyte or lithophyte native to the Himalaya to South Central China. Its wide distribution spans Nepal, Tibet, Assam, Myanmar, and Vietnam. It grows primarily in the subtropical biome, thriving in mountain forests where it anchors onto trees or rocks. This orchid is a cool-growing species that requires a distinct cool rest period to induce flowering.
 
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is an evergreen perennial known for its elegant, nodding flowers.
 
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces stout, ovoid pseudobulbs that are topped by long, ribbon-shaped, leathery leaves.
 
​Flowers: The inflorescence is a pendent, decorative, or semi-erect spike (25 to 75 cm long) that emerges from the base of the pseudobulb. The spike carries between 5 and 14 flowers, typically blooming in winter and spring. The flowers are medium-sized, up to 8 cm across.
 
​Aesthetics: The blooms are usually greenish-yellow or yellowish-white, often with reddish-brown or crimson striping or suffusion on the petals and sepals (hence the name). The lip (labellum) is prominent and marked with red. The flowers are scented.
 
​Ethnobotany: The genus Cymbidium has pronounced medicinal and ornamental value. Medicinally, the plant is employed as a tonic to treat weakness, dizziness, and wounds in traditional Asian medicine. The flowers are also used for worship and adornment.
 
​Differentiation: C. erythraeum is distinguished from similar large, cool-growing species:
 
​Versus C. tracyanum: C. tracyanum has callus ridges on the lip densely covered in long transparent hairs (often called 'toothbrushes') and a rich, spicy, cloying fragrance, features absent in C. erythraeum.
​Versus C. elegans: Hybrids of C. erythraeum x C. elegans are known (C. gammieanum), indicating a close relationship, but C. erythraeum is separated by its less than 12 flowers per spike and less dramatically nodding bloom habit.
 
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Cymbidium erythraeum is a cool-growing orchid that requires bright light and a pronounced cool rest to bloom.
 
​Light: Requires moderate to bright light (around 2,500 to 3,500 foot-candles). Provide good morning sun or bright, dappled afternoon shade.
 
​Substrate: Use an acidic, loose, moisture-retentive terrestrial mix, such as fir bark, perlite, and synthetic peat or loose organic material.
 
​Watering: Keep the medium evenly moist during the growing season (spring/summer). Allow to get slightly drier in cold weather. Never allow water to collect around the pseudobulbs.
 
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature (Growing Season): 18-28 C (65-82 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature (Flower Induction): Cool nights are essential; ideally 10-14 (50-57 F) in autumn to stimulate flowering.
 
​Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-80%) is important.
 
​✨ Unique Features
​This orchid is prized for its elegant, pendent flower spikes of subtly scented blooms that offer a refined, natural appearance. Its attractive greenish-yellow flowers with fine red striping make it a desirable, cool-growing species. Its use as a traditional medicinal tonic further enhances its historical and cultural appeal.
 
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: single growth plants
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Cymbidium erythraeum B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB