Habitat and Ecology
​Cymbidium lancifolium (the Lance-Leafed Cymbidium) is a medium-sized, somewhat compact terrestrial or epiphytic orchid with an exceptionally wide distribution across Tropical and Subtropical Asia, spanning from the Himalayas (Nepal, India, Bhutan) through China and Indochina (Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam) to Malesia (Borneo, Java, New Guinea) and Japan. It is found growing in humus-rich soil (terrestrial) or on moss-covered rocks/trees (epiphytic/lithophytic) in broad-leaved and bamboo forests at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,300 metres. This orchid is a cool to intermediate grower that requires a moist, humus-rich substrate and benefits from cooler nights to induce flowering.
​Description
​This orchid is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial that is considered smaller than the common, large Cymbidium hybrids. It produces tufted, cylindrical to narrowly fusiform pseudobulbs (up to 7 cm long) that are often subtended by old sheaths. The foliage is the defining feature, lending the plant its name: broad, bluish-green, lanceolate (lance-shaped) leaves that are plicate (pleated) and grow up to 30 cm long.
​The inflorescence is an erect to arching spike that emerges basally from the pseudobulb, typically bearing 4 to 10 fragrant flowers in spring and summer. The blooms are medium-sized (3-5 cm across), with the sepals and petals usually pale greenish-yellow or creamy-white, often marked with brown or purple spots and stripes. The lip (labellum) is prominent, white or pale yellow, and characteristically marked with red spots and two parallel keels.
​Cultivation
​Cymbidium lancifolium is a cool-to-intermediate growing orchid that is adaptable and can be grown on a bright windowsill or in a cool conservatory/greenhouse in the UK. It requires bright, indirect light; aim for high light levels (leaves should be light green, not dark), but protect from scorching midday sun. Use a humus-rich, moisture-retentive, yet open terrestrial mix (e.g., loam-based compost mixed with coarse bark, perlite, and leaf mould). The plant should be kept consistently moist during the active growth period, allowing the surface of the medium to dry slightly between thorough waterings.
​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F)
​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: Cool nights are essential to induce flowering, ideally 10-14 C (50-57 F) in late summer/autumn.
​Moderate humidity (50-70%) is required. Water with tepid, soft water (rainwater is best). Feed regularly during the spring/summer growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
​Unique Features
​This orchid is valued for its compact size (relative to the genus) and its attractive, broad, grassy, evergreen foliage. Its flowers, while smaller than hybrid Cymbidium, are charmingly fragrant and display intricate green and red markings over a white/yellow background. Its ability to grow both terrestrially and epiphytically demonstrates its adaptability, making it a robust collector's species.
​Specifications
​Plant Size: as seen in the picture
​Plant Family: Orchidaceae
​Plant Passport: A Cymbidium lancifolium B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB