🇹🇭 Habitat and Ecology
​Cymbidium insigne (the Notable Cymbidium) is a medium-to-large sized, terrestrial or lithophytic orchid native to Southeast Asia, with a distribution including Southern China (Yunnan), Vietnam, and Thailand. It is found growing in grassy areas and on rocky, open slopes, often among shrubs and pine trees, at high elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 metres. This orchid is adapted to a cool growing regime with high light exposure and distinct seasonal shifts.
​🌸 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This orchid is an evergreen perennial prized for its dramatic, upright flower spikes.
​Pseudobulbs & Foliage: It produces large, ovoid pseudobulbs clustered together. The foliage consists of numerous long, linear, grass-like leaves (up to 1 metre long) that are thin and tough.
​Flowers: The inflorescence is a tall, erect spike (60-90 cm long) that emerges from the base of the pseudobulb, typically bearing 10 to 25 flowers in late winter to early spring. The blooms are medium-to-large (6-8 cm wide).
​Aesthetics: The flowers are typically pale pink to rose-pink, sometimes almost white, with broad sepals and petals. The lip (labellum) is prominent, often white with striking deep red or magenta markings and a central yellow callus (crest). The flowers are fragrant.
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Cymbidium insigne is a cool-growing orchid that requires cool temperatures and high light to bloom successfully, making it best suited for a cool conservatory or greenhouse in the UK.
​Light: Needs very bright light (higher light levels than most other indoor orchids); ensure the plant receives high light, but avoid midday sun in summer to prevent leaf burn.
​Substrate: Use a heavy, loam-based, terrestrial compost mixed with coarse bark and perlite for drainage. It needs a moisture-retentive, yet porous mix.
​Watering: Water heavily and regularly during the active growing season (spring/summer). The medium should be kept consistently moist. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter during the rest period.
​Temperature:
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F).
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: Cool nights are essential to induce flowering, ideally 8-12 C (46-54 F) in autumn.
​Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-70%) is preferred.
​✨ Unique Features
​This orchid is highly prized for its monumental, erect spikes of numerous, large, pale pink, fragrant flowers that bloom during the difficult winter months. Its requirement for cool night temperatures and high light makes it a rewarding challenge for the cool-growing orchid specialist.
​🏷️ Specifications
​Plant Size: as seen in the pictures
Plant Family: Orchidaceae
Plant Passport: A Cymbidium insigne B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB