Cymbidium erythrostylum is native to Vietnam at elevations of 1500m (5000 ft). It blooms in October-November for us, and all local growers that I know. However, in the wild, Cymbidium erythrostylum is described as a spring to early summer blooming species. It is uncertain what causes the difference in cultivation.
We grow Cymbidium erythrostylum outside until nights drop below 5C (40F), usually in late November after flowering. We overwinter this species in our cool growing area (7-10C, 45-50F nights). The flowers on Cymbidium erythrostylum are relatively short lived, and susceptible to Botrytis spotting. Also, the thin crystalline petals and sepals tend to show more wear than other Cymbidium species. For these photographs, I brought the orchid inside for the bloom of the second flower stalk, to have a better chance of pristine white flowers. As you can see below, the strategy worked well!
Our Cymbidium erythrostylum was honored to have its portrait selected for the juried Filoli Art Exhibition in January 2019 (second photograph).
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