Cymbidium faberi

Cymbidium faberi Care

Cymbidium faberi

What is the plant

Cymbidium faberi, also known as Faber's Cymbidium, Cymbidium scabroserrulatum, Cymbidium oiwakense, and Cymbidium cerinum, is a species of the orchid genus Cymbidium. It was first described in 1896 by an English botanist Robert Allen Rolfe.

Cymbidium faberi grows in China, Taiwan, Tibet, Nepal, and East Himalayas. It prefers growing in damp, well-drained hills, and open shrubby places at the level of about 2300-9800ft (300-700m) above the sea.

The plant may vary in size from miniature to big. Its leaves are about 1-2.5 ft (25-80 cm) long, yellowish-green, with transparent veins. The flowers are usually the same pale yellowy-green color with red spots and have a strong appealing scent.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

7°C - 24°C

Hardiness zone

8 - 10

Difficulty

Hard

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water your Cymbidium faberi abundantly in the period of active growth. When the soil gets dry, you'll know it's time to water the plant. Do not allow the liquid to gather in the pot – the water should drain out after moistening the substrate. Increase the watering frequency in the dry hot season and reduce it in autumn-winter. This noble orchid also likes overhead watering. Feel free to do so late afternoon – then the wet leaves don't burn in the light.

The perfect humidity level for Cymbidium faberi is 40-60%. It can stand 60-80% humidity in the summer period. Don't forget to reduce the humidity to 40-50% during the bloom season. Also, proper ventilation is important for the plant to get enough oxygen and prevents fungal and spider problems.
Pruning
Cymbidium faberi doesn't need pruning.
Fertilizer
The period of active growth in these orchids happens from September through to mid-December. To stimulate the growth, apply fertilizer high in nitrogen. When winter comes, start using a fertilizer high in phosphorous and potash to encourage future blooming. It is advised to apply a quarter recommended strength every week. Don't forget to water the plant thoroughly before feeding so the roots don't burn. Wash the pot once or twice a month so the minerals do not build on the walls of the container.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Cymbidium faberi needs filtered or dispersed light. Do not expose your plant to direct sunlight in the afternoon. If the temperature and illumination are too high, the plant won't be able to enter dormancy and grow new flower shoots.
Soil
For growing your perfect Cymbidium faberi, use a lightweight, well-drying substrate that allows the liquid to drain properly. You may want to put granulation bark in the bottom of the pot and add some fine bark on top with about 10% perlite and 10% charcoal. Also, you can put a small amount of chopped sphagnum moss, sand, and fibrous clay in your substrate mix.
Propagation
If you want to repot your plant - do this only if you notice the pot is overcrowded. Don't repot more often than once in 3-4 years. Wait until the bloom season is finished. Cut off the dead roots and air the root ball before transplanting the orchid into the new soil.

Propagate your Faber's Cymbidium in spring after the plant's done blossoming. Search for a natural division that has 3-5 bulb groupings. If you can remove the bulbs without ruining the division, do so and place them in an individual container filled with the soil you use for mature plants. The new plant will flower in a couple of years.

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Temperature
The ideal day temperature for Cymbidium faberi is about 64-75˚F (18-24°C), and the night temperature is 44-55˚F(7-13°C). These orchids can survive frosty conditions in the wild – about 21-26˚F (-3-6˚C). To prevent your Cymbidium faberi from freezing, bring it indoors if the temperature drops too low in fall-winter. You can also arrange a heated greenhouse for your plant.
Container
Cymbidium faberi, along with Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium ensifolium, has massive straight roots that shouldn't be bent. That's why it needs a special tall pot about 6in (15cm) wide and 12-13in (30cm) tall. The container should have excellent drainage.
Fun fact
Scientists use certain compounds of Cymbidium faberi in research concerning cancer and inflammatory diseases.