Everything you want to know about the Cymbidium

Long flower stems, large blooms and a preference for cooler temperatures: the Cymbidium is an orchid with slightly different characteristics from many other varieties. It mainly flowers in autumn and winter and can even be placed outdoors temporarily during the summer. But when is the Cymbidium available, how do you care for this orchid and how can you encourage it to flower again? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Cymbidium.

 

Everything you want to know about the Cymbidium

The Cymbidium is recognisable by its long flower stems, each carrying six or more flowers. The plant has at least one stem, but often produces several. The older the plant, the more stems it can produce. Cymbidium flowers come in a wide range of colours, from white, yellow, green, pink and red to brown.

The flowers are sturdy and have a rather classic appearance. This means the Cymbidium works well in both modern and more traditional interiors. Another advantage is that the flowers stay looking beautiful for a long time, allowing you to enjoy them for several weeks.

 

Orchidee van de maand: Cymbidium

 

A flowering period of 8 – 10 weeks

The Cymbidium is available from August to March and has an average flowering period of 8 – 10 weeks. Of course, proper care, the right position and the temperature all play an important role in how long the flowers last – see our tips below.

Has your Cymbidium finished flowering? Don’t throw it away. With the right care, the plant can produce new flower stems. Cut off the spent stem and place the plant somewhere cool and light. If the outdoor temperature is above 10°C, you can move the Cymbidium outside to encourage flowering. Just remember to bring it back indoors when temperatures drop below 5°C.

 

Orchidee van de maand: Cymbidium

 

Caring for a Cymbidium

The Cymbidium is generally easy to care for. With these tips, you can keep your plant healthy and enjoy its flowers for as long as possible:

  • Give your Cymbidium plenty of light, as this orchid likes bright conditions. However, avoid strong, direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
  • Choose a cool spot in your home, such as a hallway, conservatory, garden room or bedroom.
  • Water your Cymbidium once a week by placing the plant in a shallow layer of water for around three minutes, allowing the roots to absorb the moisture. Let it drain thoroughly before placing the orchid back in its decorative pot.
  • Keep the temperature between 12°C and 25°C. The cooler the Cymbidium is kept, the longer it will flower.
  • For optimum flowering, feed your Cymbidium once a month.

 

Can a Cymbidium be kept outdoors?

From April to October, you can place a Cymbidium outdoors, as long as the temperature stays above 10°C. Choose a sheltered spot, such as a balcony or patio. Avoid strong afternoon sunlight and opt for a bright spot with indirect light instead. It’s also best to protect the plant from strong winds and prolonged exposure to rain.

 

Also read: How to create a tropical terrace with orchids

 

DIY: a mini orchid arrangement in 3 simple steps

Mini orchids are beautiful on their own, but they’re also perfect for creating a lovely little arrangement. By combining a few plants, you can easily create a playful display that looks great on a table, side table or any other little corner of your home. And you don’t need to have green fingers to make it! In this article, we’ll show you how to create your own mini orchid arrangement in just three simple steps.

 

DIY: mini orchid arrangement

 

Necessities

  • A basket or bowl
  • Hydro granules
  • Several mini orchids
  • Orchid bark (potting mix)

 

 

Step-by-step guide

Start by adding a layer of hydro granules to the bottom of the basket. This prevents the mini orchids from sitting in water after watering, which could cause the roots to rot. Then place the mini orchids in the basket one by one.

 

 

Position the plants close together so they stay firmly in place. Finally, add some bark around the sides to keep the mini orchids secure. If you like, you can also add a little moss around the base of the plants to cover the pots.

 

 

Caring for your mini orchid arrangement

Just like regular orchids, this mini orchid arrangement is easy to care for. Give the plants a little water once a week, making sure that no water remains at the bottom of the basket. Mini orchids prefer a spot with plenty of daylight, and they thrive best at a consistent room temperature.

 

Also read: Styling mini orchids: a blooming accent for every corner

 

DIY: Mini orchidee arrangement

Everything you want to know about the Dendrobium Nobilé

With its long stems and clusters of flowers growing along the stem, the Dendrobium Nobilé is a real eye-catcher in the home. With an average flowering period of 6–8 weeks, you can enjoy this type of orchid for quite some time. And the good news is that, with the right care, it can flower again. But how do you do that? And can this orchid actually be kept outdoors? In this article, you’ll find everything you want to know about the Dendrobium Nobilé.

 

Dendrobium Nobilé

The many flower clusters of this orchid grow along the stem, between the leaves. Each cluster has around 3–4 flowers, creating a spectacular display when the plant is in full bloom. The Dendrobium Nobilé is particularly known for its white flowers, but there are now many different flower colours available. Think purple, pink, yellow, orange, as well as beautifully variegated shades. Another lovely feature: this orchid is fragrant.

 

A flowering period of 6–8 weeks

The Dendrobium Nobilé is available all year round. The coloured Nobilé has an average flowering period of 6 weeks, while the white Nobilé flowers for around 8 weeks. Of course, proper care, the right position and the temperature all play an important role in how long the flowers last – see our tips below.

Has your orchid finished flowering? Don’t throw it away, as it can produce new flower stems. Once a new stem has grown to around half the length of the old, spent stem, you can cut the old stem back. Temporarily give the plant a little less water and move it to a cooler spot until it flowers again.

 

 

Caring for a Dendrobium Nobilé

The Dendrobium Nobilé is easy to care for. Here are a few tips:

  • The Dendrobium Nobilé likes plenty of light – more than other types of orchids. A spot near a window is therefore ideal. During the summer months, however, avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
  • Once a week, place the Nobilé in a shallow layer of water for around 10 minutes, allowing the roots to absorb the water. Let it drain thoroughly before placing the orchid back in its decorative pot.
  • Keep the room temperature between 10°C and 25°C.
  • This orchid will flower perfectly well without additional fertiliser, but for optimum flowering, feed it once a month.

 

Can a Dendrobium Nobilé be kept outdoors?

In summer, a Dendrobium Nobilé can be placed outdoors temporarily, as long as the conditions are suitable. For example, put it in a sheltered spot on a balcony or patio, away from strong afternoon sunlight and wind. Once the nights start to get colder, it’s time to bring the plant back indoors. It’s also best to avoid rain and prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

 

Also read: Patio proof orchids: these orchids can go outside

 

Celebrate International Day of the Orchid on 3 September 2026

Thursday 3 September 2026 is International Day of the Orchid. On this day, we celebrate the beauty and diversity of orchids around the world. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at these fascinating plants! Will you be celebrating International Day of the Orchid with us?

 

International Day of the Orchid 2026

The orchid is often referred to as the queen of the plant kingdom. It’s a truly special plant that deserves a day of its own. That’s why, since 2012, International Day of the Orchid has been celebrated every year on the first Thursday of September, putting the orchid and all its beauty and versatility in the spotlight.

 

25,000 orchid species

Did you know that there are more than 25,000 species of orchids worldwide? And new orchids are still being discovered! The butterfly orchid (Phalaenopsis) is the best-known variety, but there are so many more. Think of the tiger orchid (Oncidium), Vanda, pansy orchid (Miltonia), Dendrobium and slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum).

Orchids also come in an incredible range of colours, from white to deep shades of purple and everything in between. Some varieties even feature striped patterns or tiger-like markings. Whatever you can imagine, there’s probably an orchid to match!

 

 

Easy to care for

Another bonus: orchids are easy to care for. It’s relatively simple to keep your orchid healthy and looking beautiful, so you can enjoy it for a long time. The most important thing is to place your orchid somewhere with plenty of daylight, but away from direct sunlight. You only need to water it once a week by placing the plant in water for around 5 – 10 minutes. Let it drain thoroughly, and it’s ready to go back to its spot.

 

Also read: How to keep your orchid in perfect condition

 

Beauty that lasts

As well as their elegant appearance, incredible diversity and easy care, orchids also have an impressively long flowering period. They can easily flower for six to eight weeks, and some varieties even bloom for several months. So, as well as being a low-maintenance plant, the orchid is also a wonderfully rewarding one!

 

The ideal spot in your home for an orchid

An orchid can thrive for many years and bloom again and again, provided it receives the right care. One of the most important factors is where you place it. The ideal spot offers plenty of natural daylight without direct sunshine, combined with a stable indoor temperature. Read on to discover the best spot in your home for an orchid.

 

The ideal spot in your home for an orchid

 

The key is bright, indirect light

In their natural habitat, orchids grow beneath a dense canopy of trees, where they receive plenty of light but are rarely exposed to direct sunshine. In your home, this means placing your orchid close to a window, but out of direct sunlight. An east- or west-facing window is usually ideal. If your orchid is positioned near a south-facing window, place it slightly further back from the glass or behind a sheer curtain to protect the leaves from scorching.

 

Also read: How much light do orchids need?

 

The living room: usually the best choice

Most living rooms have large windows and plenty of bright, indirect light, making them an excellent place for an orchid. Position the plant on a table or windowsill where it receives plenty of daylight without sitting in full sun. Do keep it away from radiators, though, as the warm, dry air can cause the potting medium to dry out too quickly and may stress the plant.

 

The bathroom: surprisingly suitable

If your bathroom has a window, it can be one of the best places in the house for an orchid. The higher humidity created by showers and baths closely resembles the humid conditions orchids enjoy in the wild. However, natural daylight is essential. A bathroom without a window is simply too dark for an orchid to stay healthy in the long term.

 

The kitchen: watch out for temperature changes

A kitchen windowsill can work well, but be mindful of fluctuating temperatures caused by the hob and oven, as well as any fruit kept nearby. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause orchid flowers to fade more quickly. It’s therefore best to place your orchid on the opposite side of the kitchen.

 

Places to avoid

Finally, where shouldn’t you keep an orchid? Avoid placing it in a hallway or any other dark area with little or no natural daylight. Orchids also dislike draughts, so don’t position one next to a frequently opened front door or an open window. Likewise, avoid placing your orchid directly above a radiator, where the air is often too warm and dry.

 

Does an orchid need plant food?

The most important care tips for an orchid are watering it once a week, placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light, and keeping it at a room temperature between 15°C and 25°C. In addition to this, you can feed your orchid with orchid plant food from time to time. This encourages flowering and helps keep the leaves healthy. Wondering how often an orchid needs feeding and how to use plant food? In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about feeding orchids.

 

Does an orchid need plant food?

Yes. If you want to enjoy your orchid’s flowers for as long as possible, it’s a good idea to add orchid plant food to the water every now and then. This supports healthy roots, vibrant leaves and a strong, healthy plant. Feed your orchid once every two weeks from February through to October.

 

How to use plant food

Add orchid plant food to the water before giving your orchid a soak. Shake the bottle well before use and use the cap to measure the correct amount: ¼ capful per litre of water. Mix the plant food into the water, then place the orchid in the container so the roots can absorb the water. Leave it to soak for around 5 – 10 minutes, then allow it to drain thoroughly before placing it back in its decorative pot.

 

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

 

Heeft een orchidee voeding nodig?

How to bring the coastal chic trend into your home with orchids

Can’t get enough of the beach and wish you could spend every summer day by the sea? Then the coastal chic trend is perfect for you. It transforms your home into a modern beach house, combining calming colours, natural materials and subtle seaside influences to create a relaxed, airy atmosphere. And the best part? With their elegant, organic shapes, orchids fit this style beautifully, adding the soft, natural touch that defines the coastal chic look.

 

How to bring the coastal chic trend into your home

The colours of a day at the beach

Coastal chic is all about creating a calm, natural interior. Wooden furniture, linen fabrics and woven accessories instantly evoke the feeling of a beachside retreat. The colour palette remains understated, with shades of white, sand, soft grey and a variety of blues inspired by the sea and the sky.

The pure, cloud-like blooms of an orchid complement these colours perfectly. Choose several white orchids, or combine them with orchids in soft lilac or pale pink for a little extra depth. Display them in ceramic pots with a matte, earthy finish, or opt for baskets made from rattan or seagrass. These natural materials capture the relaxed beach-house aesthetic and allow the orchids to blend effortlessly into the interior.

 

Styling tips for a coastal look

For a balanced display, group three orchids together and pair them with natural decorative elements such as seashells, pieces of driftwood or a simple lantern. This creates a carefully curated arrangement that subtly reflects the atmosphere of the coast without feeling overdone.

Placement is just as important. Coastal chic interiors are filled with natural light, so position your orchid in a bright spot where it can enjoy plenty of daylight. Avoid direct sun, however, as this can scorch the leaves. With the right setting, your orchids will complete the coastal chic look and bring a fresh, calming sense of summer into your home.

 

Also read: How to create a tropical terrace with orchids

How to water an orchid: the soaking method

Most orchids don’t die from too little attention, but from being watered the wrong way. The most popular orchid, the Phalaenopsis, has different needs from many other houseplants. Its roots are sensitive to sitting in wet compost for long periods, so watering with a watering can is not always the best option. That is why we prefer the soaking method. In this article, you will find out what it is and how to use it.

 

How to water an orchid

First, it is a good idea to check whether your orchid actually needs water. You can do this by looking at the plant’s roots. The colour of the roots is the best indication of whether an orchid has enough moisture.

  • If the roots are grey, it is time to water the plant.
  • If the roots are green, the orchid still has enough moisture.

 

What is the soaking method?

With the soaking method, you place the orchid in water for a short period so the roots can absorb exactly what they need. Afterwards, you let all excess water drain away completely. This gives the plant enough moisture without leaving the roots sitting in a wet pot for too long.

 

The soaking method works as follows:

Fill a saucer with water and remove the orchid’s inner pot from its decorative outer pot. Place the inner pot in the water, making sure that the roots are submerged while the crown of the plant – where the leaves meet – remains dry. Leave the orchid in the water for around five to ten minutes. During this time, the roots can absorb the moisture they need. Afterwards, remove the pot from the water and allow it to drain thoroughly. This is an important step, as any water left standing in the decorative pot can cause root problems. Only once no more water is dripping from the pot should you place the orchid back in its decorative pot and return it to its usual spot.

 

 

Also read: How to make orchids bloom again?

How to create a tropical terrace with orchids

A terrace doesn’t need a major makeover to take on a completely different atmosphere. Orchids instantly introduce a new look filled with colour. While they’re best known as houseplants, some varieties can also be placed outdoors. It’s an easy way to give your terrace or balcony a tropical touch.

Create a tropical terrace with orchids

 

A strong foundation

The basis of a tropical terrace starts with creating the right conditions. A tropical feel naturally emerges when light is filtered. Think of a pergola, shade sail or taller plants that soften direct sunlight. This not only makes the space more comfortable for you, but is also essential for orchids, as they are not typical terrace plants. However, as long as they are kept in the shade and the temperature doesn’t drop below 10°C, they can be placed outside. This makes orchids suitable from late spring through to early autumn.

 

Orchids suitable for outdoor use

Orchids come in a wide range of colours, so make the most of that. For a tropical terrace, opt for a vibrant mix. It’s worth noting that not every orchid is suited to outdoor conditions, but there are surprisingly many that thrive outside:

  • One of the most suitable is the Dendrobium Nobile, a robust variety with clusters of flowers that grow along the stems.
  • The Oncidium orchid enjoys plenty of light, moderate watering and slightly higher humidity, making it well suited to both indoor and outdoor environments. Place it in a patio or conservatory so it receives enough light without being exposed to full sun.
  • Paphiopedilum also performs well outdoors during summer. As with Oncidium, it’s best positioned in a patio or conservatory to avoid direct sunlight.
  • Several orchids can be placed outside temporarily in spring and summer, including Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Cambria-type orchids. Moving them outdoors can even encourage bud formation.
  • There are also garden orchids such as Dactylorhiza and Epipactis. These varieties generally tolerate full sun, provided they have constant access to moisture. Ideal locations include areas near a pond. Without one, it’s better to place them in partial shade.

Also read: Patio proof orchids: these orchids can go outside

Vary height and structure

A tropical feel is created through variation in height and foliage. Combine large-leaved plants with lower, more compact varieties and allow them to overlap slightly. Grouping plants rather than spacing them apart adds depth to the terrace. Orchids work best as accents – place them at eye level, for example on a side table or in a hanging pot, so their flowers can truly stand out.

 

The orchid: the number one Mother’s Day gift

An orchid is the number one gift for Mother’s Day. This is evident from research conducted in the Netherlands, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. It’s not surprising, as orchids offer many advantages over, for example, a bouquet of flowers. In this article, you’ll discover what makes them so popular – and we’ll share tips on how to present an orchid as a gift.

 

The orchid: the number one Mother’s Day gift

Generally, mothers tend to be very busy, which is exactly why an orchid makes such a thoughtful present. Unlike a bouquet of flowers, which often wilts within a week, an orchid lasts much longer. In fact, it can bloom for weeks or even months. When the plant produces new buds and flowers again, it becomes a lovely reminder of Mother’s Day.

Orchids are also relatively easy to care for. With occasional watering and a spot in indirect sunlight, the plant will thrive. This makes it a considerate gift that doesn’t add extra demands to an already busy schedule. Another advantage is the wide variety of colours available, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one in your mother’s favourite shade.

 

Gift ideas with orchids

Have you chosen a beautiful orchid for your mother? Then it’s time to present it in style. Here are a few ideas:

  • Place the orchid in a terracotta pot and write your mother’s name on it with chalk.
  • Put the plant in a decorative pot, choose one or two ribbons, and tie them into a bow around it.
  • You can also wrap the orchid. For example, use cellophane so the plant remains visible while still being protected.

 

 

Finally, you could create your own orchid arrangement. It might sound challenging, but it’s actually quite simple – even if you’re not an experienced florist.

 

 

Also read: How to effortlessly create a stunning orchid arrangement

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