Cymbidium devonianum

Cymbidium devonianum is a species orchid distributed across the eastern Himalayas, from Nepal through Bhutan and northeastern India into Yunnan in China. It inhabits elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 metres, where it grows on trees or occasionally rocks in humid montane forests. Plants develop pendulous inflorescences that hang well below the foliage, a feature that has made the species a significant parent of cascading Cymbidium hybrids.

The flowers are numerous, typically 20-30 per spike, each around 4-5 cm across. They are green to olive-brown with purple markings, and the lip is white to cream with heavy purple spotting and streaking. Blooming occurs in spring, and the long-lasting flowers often cover the entire spike in a dense display. The narrow, strap-like leaves arise from clustered pseudobulbs and form a graceful arching clump.

Care Tips

• Light: Enjoys bright, filtered light; some gentle morning or late afternoon sun is tolerated.
• Water: Maintain even moisture during growth; reduce slightly after flowering but avoid complete drying.
• Media: Best grown in a coarse, well-drained Cymbidium mix such as bark with added perlite or charcoal.
• Fertiliser: Feed every 2-3 weeks in the growing season with a balanced orchid fertiliser; reduce during the cooler, less active period.
• Temperature: Prefers cool to intermediate conditions, with nights around 10-12 °C and days up to 25 °C; the natural drop in night temperatures encourages spikes.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years after flowering, when new shoots are emerging; allow space for the pendulous spikes to develop.