Cymbidium suave
Encyclopedia
Cymbidium suave or the Snake Orchid, is an Australian orchid species that is part of the genus Cymbidium
which consists of 52 species.
It is one of the three epiphytic
Cymbidium species that are located on the Australia continent. Flowers are similar to that of the species Cymbidium madidum
, however, Cymbidium suave can easily be distinguished by the lack of pseudobulbs which are common to the genus. The two other species also located in eastern Australia include Cymbidium canaliculatum
and the aforementioned Cymbidium madidum.
The pendulous flowers are light green to greenish brown. They are fragrant as indicated by its name. Several Australian orchid nurseries have stated that there exists an alba form and currently, Woolf Orchid Culture in Australia offers flasked seedlings. Depending on the plant and the environment it is in, Cymbidium suave has been known to produce several hundred flowers.
Growing Cymbidium suave can be quite a challenge. The lack of pseudobulbs and the extensive root network make its growing conditions an enigma to some. Some growers believe that there is a necessity for growing the plant in Eucalyptus
bark, whereas others have argued that a traditional Cymbidium mix works just as fine. Planting Cymbidium suave in a hollowed log or in a PVC pipe has also been suggested. There is a general consensus that growers should attempt to avoid any disturbance of the plant's roots. If repotting is necessary, then it should be done in the spring during its growing season. The roots should be handled with much care.
Cymbidium
Cymbidium , or boat orchids, is a genus of 52 evergreen species in the orchid family Orchidaceae. It was first described by Olof Swartz in 1799. The name is derived from the Greek word kumbos, meaning 'hole, cavity'. It refers to the form of the base of the lip...
which consists of 52 species.
It is one of the three epiphytic
Epiphyte
An epiphyte is a plant that grows upon another plant non-parasitically or sometimes upon some other object , derives its moisture and nutrients from the air and rain and sometimes from debris accumulating around it, and is found in the temperate zone and in the...
Cymbidium species that are located on the Australia continent. Flowers are similar to that of the species Cymbidium madidum
Cymbidium madidum
The Northern Cymbidium is a species of plant in the Orchidaceae family, also known as the Buttercup Orchid and Moist Forest Cymbidium....
, however, Cymbidium suave can easily be distinguished by the lack of pseudobulbs which are common to the genus. The two other species also located in eastern Australia include Cymbidium canaliculatum
Cymbidium canaliculatum
The Small Groof-leafed Cymbidium is a species of orchid, also known as the Banana Orchid or Queensland Black Orchid....
and the aforementioned Cymbidium madidum.
The pendulous flowers are light green to greenish brown. They are fragrant as indicated by its name. Several Australian orchid nurseries have stated that there exists an alba form and currently, Woolf Orchid Culture in Australia offers flasked seedlings. Depending on the plant and the environment it is in, Cymbidium suave has been known to produce several hundred flowers.
Growing Cymbidium suave can be quite a challenge. The lack of pseudobulbs and the extensive root network make its growing conditions an enigma to some. Some growers believe that there is a necessity for growing the plant in Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering trees in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Members of the genus dominate the tree flora of Australia...
bark, whereas others have argued that a traditional Cymbidium mix works just as fine. Planting Cymbidium suave in a hollowed log or in a PVC pipe has also been suggested. There is a general consensus that growers should attempt to avoid any disturbance of the plant's roots. If repotting is necessary, then it should be done in the spring during its growing season. The roots should be handled with much care.