Cymbidium kanran

Cymbidium kanran Care

Cymbidium kanran

Other names: Smoothlip Cymbidium

What is the plant

Cymbidium kanran orchid is a species of the genus Cymbidium. This flower is also known by the name ‘The Cold Growing Cymbidium’ and ‘Smoothlip Cymbidium.’ It was first described by Japanese botanist Tomitaro Makino in 1902.

Cymbidium kanran is native to Japan, Taiwan, and China. It grows in slightly shaded forests on wet rocky ground at the height of 1300-7800 ft (400-2400 m) above sea level.

This plant is a cool-loving terrestrial species. It has big cylindrical roots, egg-shaped pseudobulbs, and long dark green leaves 1.5-2.5ft (40-70cm) long. The flowers’ color can vary from apple green to pale reddish-green.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

15°C - 27°C

Hardiness zone

8 - 10

Difficulty

Hard

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
The best way to water Cymbidium kanran is to replicate its native climate. For example, in China, rains are not a frequent occurrence in winter and early spring. There come a couple more dryer months after winter. This means you should reduce watering in the cold months and then reduce it even more in spring. You may want to mist the orchid a little to remind it of the winter dew in its homeland. In summer, water abundantly, slowly increasing the frequency after the dry months end. Look at the soil: when the top inch becomes dry, let the plant drink, and don’t allow any liquid to stay in the saucer.
Pruning
Cymbidium kanran orchid doesn’t require pruning.
Fertilizer
This orchid needs strong fertilization. You may apply any rich solid fertilizer you usually prefer. Use a quarter or a half of the recommended dose every week in the growing season. In spring, when the new shoots appear, stop feeding the plant.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Cymbidium kanran enjoys filtered dispersed sunlight. Do not let your plant stay under direct sun rays in the afternoon. 50-60% shading will be enough.
Soil
Use a light, loose substrate that allows the water to drain properly. Add some granulation bark to the lower half of the pot and put fine bark on top with 10% perlite and 10% charcoal. You can also add a bit of chopped sphagnum moss, fibrous clay, and sand to your soil mixture.
Propagation
Repot your Cymbidium kanran once in a couple of years: that might be the case if the soil breaks down or the plant grows out of the pot. Do this at the end of the winter as the new roots start growing. If the orchid already has new shoots at this point, wait until it stops blooming. This is when you can also propagate the plant. Look for a natural division that has 3-5 bulb groupings, and remove the bulbs very carefully so the division won’t break. Plant the bulb in an individual pot into the substrate you normally use with adult plants. With proper care, you will be able to enjoy new blooms in a couple of years.

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Temperature
The normal summer temperature for Cymbidium kanran would be 78-80˚F (26-27°C) during the day and 64-66˚F (18-19°C). In spring, keep the day temperature at 73-82˚F (23-28°C). These orchids can also tolerate short periods of frost. Do not let them stay outside in the below-zero temperature: bring your Cymbidium kanran inside the house or into the greenhouse.
Container
All noble orchids, including Cymbidium kanran, have massive long roots and need a special pot about 6in (15cm) wide and 12-13in (30cm) tall. Of course, the container should have very good drainage properties.
Fun fact
Cymbidium kanran is one of the most endangered species in Korea and is conservated.