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Orchids: the cymbidium, plant information for growing and its use in flower arranging, floral art and floristry.

These are  in three main genera cultivated, the Cattleyas, Cymbidiums and Paphiopediliums. This page  focuses on the Cymbidiums.
Although Cymbidiums are durable and adaptable and they will flower in a wide range of conditions, the best flowers come from a temperature range of  10-18 degrees Celscius ( 50-65 F) There are over 3500 listed hybrids  as a result of intensive breeding programmes. They tend  to be classified as a terrestial orchid  but they will not grow in earth and are potted in loose coarse material, as they find most of their nutrients in decaying vegetable matter.
Winning design at the Auckland Orchid Show September 2002 was by Shirley Bedford.
Shirley used Proteas with white cymbidiums.
Cymbidium orchids do not particularly like floral foam and are better  being put directly into orchid phials, a water filled container  or glass test tubes if possible if you are looking for  a lengthy vase life.
By doing this cymbidiums will last for several weeks in prime conditions,  away from  hot air, sunny windows and  draughts.

If they are to be used as single blooms for corsages or buttonholes they can be taped and wired successfully and will last well if given a deep water drink first.They make an excellent central focal point.

 
 
Rosemary Weir of Auckland New Zealand used cymbidium orchids with  roses, anthuriums and palm fronds in this modern design seen at the  Auckland Orchid Show, September 2002  Rosemary used three placements in a traditional  manner and used the cymbidiums as bracts of flowers rather than individually.
Dell Gee, also of Auckland used the cymbidiums with irises, and cerise carnations for a vivid colour statement at the Orchid Show.
Orchids were used in bouquets and weddings cakes in two of the weddings featured in the 2005 Wedding edition of floral design magazine. Online backcopies are available here.

The Orchid: From the Archives of the Royal  Horticultural SocietyThis glorious volume illustrates the most exquisite specimens of the flower with botanical artworks from the unrivaled collection of Society in England. More...

Ultimate Orchid
 Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and the American Orchid Society, Ultimate Orchid includes more than 400 dazzling full-color photographs that present a cross-section of the orchid world. The authoritative text contains essential facts and interesting details for all of the major orchid groups. Beginners and seasoned fanciers alike will find inspiringand useful information throughout the book. More...