Cymbidium Goeringii: The Beautifully Fragrant Noble Orchid

The Cymbidium Goeringii orchid of the Orchidaceae family is a small plant that has an intensely sweet fragrance that emanates from each flower. Once the petals open during the flowering season, the alluring scent of mixed floral perfumes quickly fills the air.

The small, innocuous plant is often highly coveted by many growers of all skill levels due to the ease of growing this lovely and fragrant orchid of the Cymbidium genus.

Cymbidium Goeringii Care

The Noble Orchid is incredibly easy to care for and maintain, making this species one of the most popular plants for growers of all skill levels. The fragrance of the flowers is one of the strongest attractions for many orchid connoisseurs.

With some knowledge of the factors that contribute to the growth of the Cymbidium Goeringii, even the most inexperienced orchid grower will find the process simple and easy.

What Is a Cymbidium Goeringii?

The Cymbidium Goeringii is a beautiful, rewarding orchid plant that produces colorful blooms. It is known by two common names: Goering’s Cymbidium and the Noble Orchid. The latter is due to Confucius, China’s famous philosopher, who was the first to document the Cymbidium Goeringii in written form. 

Water

The Noble Orchid loves abundant watering during its active growth phase, although care should be exercised to ensure that water drains quickly from its potting substrate. During the hotter seasons, frequent and ample watering is ideal. In the colder winter months, the frequency and amount should be gradually reduced.

Ideally, watering schedules should be early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sunlight is not as harsh.

Light

The Cymbidium Goeringii is not a fussy houseplant. The miniature orchid can thrive in a wide light level range from 27,000 to 43,000 lux during its early growth phases.

This means that in the outdoor settings, partial shading and partially shaded areas are required.

Once the Noble Orchid has grown accustomed, the light levels may be adjusted to 43,000 to 54,000 lux.

The plant receives approximately 30 percent bright light but not direct sunlight.

Once flowering season arrives, light levels should be adjusted to 20,000 to 30,000 lux to encourage profuse blooms. In cooler temperate regions, the Cymbidium Goeringii may tolerate full sun during these winter months.

The Noble Orchid’s leaves are the best indication of appropriate light levels. Normally, the foliage is bright yellow-green. Too much exposure to light will turn the foliage yellow. If the leaf is sunburnt, a black spot may occur.

Overly shaded conditions may result in darker green hues and keep the foliage safe, although blooming will be less frequent, or not at all.

Soil

The Noble Orchid is usually grown in a pot or a container with quick drainage and often filled with loose, semi-permeable substrate. This potting mixture encourages optimum moisture without excess water retention.

Ideal materials for semi-permeable potting medium include chopped fern barks, sphagnum moss, osmunda fern roots, charcoal, fibrous clays, and fine to medium bark chips.

Growers should be repotting Cymbidium Goeringii when the substrate medium has broken down or when the roots are growing over the container. Other than that, the orchid prefers to remain undisturbed, as the roots may not like being frequently agitated from their homes.

Temperature

The Cymbidium Goeringii thrives in a wide range of temperatures. In their native habitats, they can be subjected to 18 to 50 F. This makes them extremely versatile orchid plants, although growers should not exploit this characteristic and expose the Noble Orchid to extreme temperatures.

To induce blooms, the Cymbidium Goeringii requires a cool resting period of two to four months before it can even develop inflorescences. During warmer months, the orchid prefers 65 to 75 F to develop its leaves and encourage flowering. Overly warm temperatures may cause flowers to fall off prematurely.

Humidity

The Cymbidium Goeringii prefers an average humidity level of 40 to 60 percent. While it may tolerate higher levels of humidity at 60 to 80 percent when light exposure is high, the ideal humidity is still within the 40 to 60 percent range, especially during the flowering season.

While humidity is important, good air movement is also critical in ensuring that the leaves dry quickly to avoid fungal and bacterial growth.

Fertilizer

The Cymbidium Goeringii thrives when fed with fertilizers high in nitrogen content during its active growing stage. When flower spikes start to develop, fertilizers high in phosphorus and potash are preferred to help the orchid produce larger and more fragrant blooms. Quarter to half-strength dose strength of typical orchid fertilizers is the best dilution proportions.

During its dormant or resting period, the Noble Orchid ideally should not be fed with fertilizers at all.

– Rest Period

The Cymbidium Goeringii goes to its resting phase after undergoing the flowering months. The dormant phase is usually during the colder winter months. Watering frequency and amount should be reduced during this period, while fertilization is recommended to be stopped.

Noble Orchids that receive high temperature and high light levels may produce new immature growths. This is not an ideal situation and is contrary to the orchid’s natural growth rhythms. The Cymbidium Goeringii must be allowed to go through its dormant resting period.

Once spring approaches, watering frequency and amount should also gradually increase to normal levels.

Propagation

The Cymbidium Goeringii seeds may be used to propagate seedlings in their natural environments. In cultivation, growers may find it slightly challenging as the seeds can be minuscule, with low yield and viability.

Some growers prefer to propagate the Noble Orchid through plant division, which is easier and faster, with higher yield and viability.

Facts About the Cymbidium Goeringii

– Other Names

The Noble Orchid is also known by other names, such as Shun-ran in Japan and Chun Lan in China.

– Size

Goreng’s Cymbidium can grow up to 12 inches, despite its petite size. The miniature orchid is a stunning addition to many orchid collections without taking too much space. At the same time, the Noble Orchid provides orchid curators with an irresistible fragrance during its blooming season.

The Cymbidium Goeringii tends to grow equally aboveground as it does underground. This means that as the plant grows taller, its pseudobulbs and roots burrow deeper into the ground. This characteristic may classify the plant as a terrestrial orchid.

The Noble orchid can remain as a single plant for several years, and it can also develop into numerous clumps with multiple flowering inflorescences. This remarkable characteristic makes the diminutive plant highly desirable.

– Leaves

The Cymbidium Goeringii has small pseudobulbs that are sheathed in leaf bases, with several thin lorate growths. The evergreen orchid’s underground pseudobulbs produce long, grass-like leaves which are serrated at the edges. The stems are covered loosely with pale pink sheaths.

The leaves can grow up to 12 inches or slightly over, with the pseudobulbs producing leaf stems and inflorescences that produce flowers.

– Roots

The many epiphytic roots of the Noble Orchid are thick, fleshy, and white. The roots can grow up to 16 inches long when straightened out. The orchid plant has adapted over decades of evolution to utilize its aerial roots to procure water and nutrients from the ground and the air.

The epiphytic and lithophytic roots of the Cymbidium Goeringii plant are often bright green at the tip. The verdant tips are gradually sheathed in a thick white membrane as the root slowly matures.

– Flowers

Goering’s Cymbidium flowers during the spring to summer seasons, giving off a wonderful scented aroma to the air. The small blooms are produced from the inflorescence that is near the base of the pseudobulb. Flower size can grow up to two inches wide, with a triangular form.

The sepals and the petals of the Cymbidium Goeringii orchid are bright jade green and often come with purple striations, veinings, and mottlings.

The most intriguing and enchanting aspect of the charming Noble Orchid is its fragrance. The intensely sweet aroma is often described as an intriguing combination of jasmine, lily of the valley, and citrus scents.

– Habitat

The miniature Cymbidium Goeringii can be found in China, Japan, Korea, East Himalayas, and West Himalayas. In these regions, the orchid can be found growing on rocky slopes, forest boundaries, forest clearings, and even in bamboo groves, steep road embankments, and pine forests.

The Noble Orchid is one of the most wide-ranging in habitat growth selection. As long as its required growth conditions are met, this fragrant orchid can be quite adaptable to cultivation.

FAQ

What happens if I water Cymbidium Goeringii at noon?

Watering Cymbidium Goeringii at noon can lead to water stress due to high temperatures, potentially damaging the orchid.

Is the Cymbidium Goeringii a toxic orchid?

No, Cymbidium Goeringii is not a toxic orchid. It is safe for humans and pets.

Why does my Cymbidium Goeringii have black spots?

Black spots on Cymbidium Goeringii may indicate a fungal, bacterial infection, or too much light exposure. Proper care and ventilation can help prevent this issue.

Conclusion

The Cymbidium Goeringii is a beautiful, rewarding orchid plant that produces strikingly colorful blooms. The intense, intoxicating perfume from these flowers entices many orchid growers into incorporating them into their collections.

Let’s review what we’ve learned in growing this wonderful specimen:

• The Cymbidium Goeringii is a small orchid plant that is perfect for intermediate to advanced skill levels.
• The orchid’s colorful flowers emit a strong powerful sweet floral fragrance.
• The Noble Orchid quickly flourishes and flowers once all its preferred growing conditions are met.

The Cymbidium Goeringii is an amazing orchid plant despite its small size. The ease and simplicity in growing these cold-tolerant exotic beauties make them quite desirable even for novice growers. Truly, it is a miniature marvel that you can easily coax into fragrant flowering!