Wifey bought two cymbidium plants from Orchid Republic when she was in Los Angeles last week. We have different houseplants but first time to have orchids. The cymbidiums are potted in fir bark with some perlite and charcoal. Any tips on how to take care of them, from fertilizing, watering, humidity, light, etc. Anything I should know about them? Thank you in advance for any help.
My cymbidium orchid is one of the few indoor plants I have that, whilst not exactly thriving, seems to survive pretty well on neglect! It is on a cold windowsill over the winter, I spray it occasionally with water. My tap water is untreated and 'soft' which may be important. I try and remember to put it outside in the summer to enjoy a bit of fresh air once the temperatures get up a bit. Once every ten years or so it rewards me with this:
I'd really like to know what is in the recommended "orchid food". I'm sure it must be something I could make up pretty easily, but am reluctant to experiment and risk actually killing my plant.
I got Just a single flower this year. I think it is probably too cold on this windowsill - especially when closing the curtains leaves the orchid on the cold side.
Still - one perfect bloom in early March is still uplifting.