Plant of Week: Cymbidium orchid, boat orchid

Light: bright light

Height: 10 to 36 inches

Spread: 12 to 26 inches

USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10

Origin: Asia and Australia

Cymbidium orchids are loved and enjoyed for their lasting flower sprays.

Like many other orchids, Cymbidiums are epiphytes, growing on other plants and rocks rather than in soil. However, some are terrestrial, growing in or on the ground.

The long, sword-shaped foliage is nice medium green, and grows off of a pseudobulb (a swollen part of the stem, used for food storage by a plant).

The foliage is long-lasting and will continue to thrive for a few years. The flowers appear on a long stem that can reach up to 36 inches.

This branchless and leafless stem will have flowers along it, making it a favorite for flower arrangements. The flowers range in colors from white, cream and pale yellow to shades of pink, green, maroon and bronze. The petals are waxy, and the lip (labellum) is usually a constrasting color. The flowers can last for six to eight weeks.

A wide array of colorful Cymbidium orchids can be seen in the Himalayan Mountain Biome at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

— Barbara Arnold

Franklin Park Conservatory