Cymbidium dayanum (Day's Cymbidium) - Fragrant Orchid with Long-Lasting Blooms

Cymbidium dayanum (Day's Cymbidium) - Fragrant Orchid with Long-Lasting Blooms

Native to Southeast Asia, Cymbidium dayanum, also known as Day's Cymbidium, is a captivating orchid prized for its fragrant, long-lasting blooms. This elegant species is a popular choice for orchid enthusiasts and a delightful addition to any collection.

Distinctive Features

• Growth Habit: This epiphytic orchid, meaning it grows on trees, has a robust growth habit with long, slender leaves. It produces pendulous inflorescences that can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length, creating a graceful cascading effect.
• Flowers: The most striking feature of Cymbidium dayanum is its numerous, fragrant flowers. The blooms are typically cream-coloured with a prominent reddish-brown lip, creating a beautiful contrast. The flowers are also long-lasting, providing weeks of enjoyment.
• Fragrance: This orchid emits a sweet, spicy fragrance, especially during the day, adding to its allure.

Care Tips

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.
• Water: Water regularly, keeping the potting media moist but not soggy. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter months.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%. You can achieve this by misting the plant regularly or using a humidity tray.
• Temperature: This orchid prefers intermediate to warm temperatures, ideally between 18-28°C (64-82°F) during the day and 13-18°C (55-64°F) at night.
• Potting Media: Use a well-draining orchid potting mix, such as bark or a mixture of bark and sphagnum moss.
• Fertiliser: Fertilise weakly, every other week during the growing season (spring-summer) with a balanced orchid fertiliser.
• Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Additional Notes

• Cymbidium dayanum is a relatively easy orchid to care for, making it suitable for beginners.
• Its fragrant blooms and graceful pendulous inflorescences make it a standout in any orchid collection.
• This orchid can be grown in pots, baskets, or mounted on cork bark.
• With proper care, Cymbidium dayanum can bloom reliably for many years.