focal · easy · premium
Cymbidium orchid
Cymbidium · aka boat orchid
The cymbidium is the winter orchid — a single stem carries 8–15 florets that last a full month once cut. Green cymbidiums with a burgundy lip are the editorial designer's favourite. Each floret can be broken off and wired for corsage or cake decoration, extending the value of a single stem across a whole event.
At a glance
| Family | Orchidaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Asia, Australia; commercially grown Netherlands, Italy, California |
| Peak season | November, December, January, February, March, April |
| Availability | October to May |
| Stem length | 60–120 cm |
| Vase life | 21–42 days |
| Colors | white, cream, yellow, green, pink, burgundy, brown |
| Price tier | premium |
Conditioning
Cut sparingly — one stem carries 8–15 florets. Cut on a diagonal, deep water is fine.
Care in the vase
- •Highest vase life of any cut flower — 4+ weeks common
- •Individual florets used widely for corsage and cake work
- •Cool, never cold — 8–12°C is ideal storage
- •Green cymbidiums are the premium 'nature' colour for editorial
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismnobility, friendship, beauty
Occasionsluxury events, winter weddings, corsage, cake
Substitutesphalaenopsis, dendrobium
luxurylong-lastingwintercorsage
