Many species of orchids falter under the hot dry summers of the Central Valley of California. Cymbidiums are prized for their sprays of large, long lasting flowers. Cymbidiums need lots of light to bloom well, the maximum amount of light possible, short of sunburn should be given in summer. They require less light during winter. We mist with water to raise the humidity and cool the plants.
Cymbidiums like to be cool and dry during winter.
We cut back on watering and take down the shade cloth and put up plastic on the greenhouse. This shelters the cymbidiums from the winter rains, they like dry roots in winter. Cymbidiums can stand light frosts and survive, but we try to keep temperature from dipping below the upper 30's in the greenhouse. We also stake the bloom spike to support them if needed. Beginning in February we are reward with large blooms in reds, greens, whites, yellows lasting through May.