Light

Cymbidiums thrive in bright, filtered light. Position your kokedama where it receives gentle early morning sunshine followed by bright indirect light for the remainder of the day. Good light is essential for flower spike production.

Avoid: Prolonged exposure to harsh afternoon sun which may scorch the leaves. Equally, avoid deep shade which will prevent flowering.

Temperature

Unlike many tropical orchids, Cymbidiums naturally originate from cooler mountain forests and enjoy milder temperatures. Ideal daytime temperatures are 18–26°C, with nights at 8–16°C.

Important: These cooler night temperatures play a critical role in encouraging flower spike initiation. Without this natural temperature drop, Cymbidiums often produce healthy leaves but very few flowers. This is why they perform so well in Kenya’s highlands and are not recommended for the Coast.

Humidity

Cymbidiums enjoy moderate humidity combined with cool temperatures and excellent airflow. Ideal humidity is 50–70%. Unlike Vanda orchids, Cymbidiums do not require extremely high humidity — good ventilation is far more important than constantly humid conditions.

Watering

Cymbidiums enjoy consistent moisture throughout the growing season. The kokedama should remain evenly moist, well-drained, never waterlogged and never completely dry. Allow the surface to begin drying slightly before watering again. Always feel the kokedama before watering — frequency varies by region, temperature and rainfall.

How to water: Soak the kokedama thoroughly until water drains freely from the base → allow to drain completely → do not allow to sit in standing water. Morning watering is always recommended.

Why We Grow Cymbidiums as Kokedamas

Unlike our Dendrobiums and Oncidiums, Cymbidiums naturally require a growing medium around their roots. At TropicalOrchids254, we wanted to preserve those growing requirements while creating something far more beautiful than a standard plastic nursery pot.

Each Cymbidium is handcrafted inside a sustainable Kenyan cocofibre kokedama using a carefully balanced blend of premium orchid bark and compost. This allows the roots to remain cool, stay evenly moist, receive excellent drainage and develop into a healthy root system.

The natural cocofibre ball transforms a traditional orchid into an elegant botanical sculpture — a display that is both beautiful and practical.

Fertilising

Regular feeding is one of the key reasons TropicalOrchids254 Cymbidiums flower so reliably. Apply NHance Seaweed Fertiliser alternating with NPK FOLIAR - High N, & High K Foliar throughout the active growing season. Benefits include stronger roots, larger pseudobulbs, more flower spikes, longer flowering periods and improved overall vigour. Consistent feeding produces noticeably larger flowering displays each year.

Leaf Care & Pest Prevention

Once every month, gently wipe both sides of each leaf using diluted Achook Neem Oil. This removes dust, improves photosynthesis, naturally discourages pests and produces glossy healthy foliage. Always apply during the cooler part of the day, never in direct midday sun.

Air Movement

Good airflow greatly reduces disease problems and helps the kokedama dry evenly after watering. Never display Cymbidiums in enclosed, hot or poorly ventilated spaces. Avoid placing them in areas exposed to intense afternoon heat.

Kokedama Renewal & Propagation

As the Cymbidium matures and the clump grows larger, the kokedama can be renewed with fresh orchid bark and compost. Large mature clumps can be divided into multiple healthy plants — each division should contain several mature pseudobulbs to ensure rapid establishment.

Older pseudobulbs continue storing water and energy, supporting future flowering. Healthy mature plants become larger and produce increasingly spectacular flower displays each year.

For coastal customers: TropicalOrchids254 recommends orchids that naturally thrive in warm tropical conditions — Vanda Orchids, Dendrobium Orchids, Oncidium Orchids and Ionopsis Orchids are much better suited to coastal climates.

Mealybugs

Symptoms: White cotton-like clusters around leaf bases, pseudobulbs, flower spikes and new growth · Sticky honeydew · Weak new growth

Treatment: Spray or wipe affected areas with diluted Achook Neem Oil. Repeat every 7 days until controlled.

Aphids

Symptoms: Distorted flower buds · Sticky leaves · Clusters of tiny insects on flower spikes, buds and young leaves

Treatment: Achook Neem Oil provides excellent natural control.

Scale Insects

Symptoms: Hard brown bumps on leaves, pseudobulbs or flower stems · Reduced vigour · Sticky honeydew

Treatment: Remove manually before applying diluted Achook Neem Oil.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Pale leaves · Fine webbing · Reduced vigour

Treatment: Increase humidity around the foliage while maintaining good airflow. Apply Achook Neem Oil. More common during prolonged hot, dry weather.

Slugs & Snails

Symptoms: Damage to flower spikes, tender leaves and new shoots · Irregular holes or chewed edges

Treatment: Inspect plants after dark if damage suddenly appears.

Root Rot

Symptoms: Soft or discoloured roots · Waterlogged kokedama · Foul smell

Prevention: Usually caused by poor drainage, overwatering or waterlogged compost. The orchid bark in TropicalOrchids254 Cymbidium Kokedamas provides excellent drainage, helping reduce this risk. Never allow the kokedama to sit in standing water.

Crown Rot & Leaf Spot

Symptoms: Water trapped inside new growth · Fungal spots on leaves during prolonged wet weather

Prevention: Always water in the morning so excess moisture dries naturally. Improve airflow and avoid wet foliage overnight.

My Cymbidium isn’t flowering.

The most common question we receive. Possible causes: nights are too warm, insufficient light, plant is too young, lack of fertiliser, or the plant has recently been divided. Cymbidiums require cooler night temperatures to initiate flower spikes — if you live in a hot, low-altitude area, flowering may be inconsistent.

My pseudobulbs are wrinkled.

Wrinkled pseudobulbs usually indicate dehydration. Check watering frequency, root health and whether the kokedama has become too dry.

My leaves are turning yellow.

Older leaves naturally age over time. If many leaves yellow together, investigate overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency or excessive direct sunlight.

The flower buds dropped.

Possible causes: sudden movement, heat stress, water stress or sudden temperature fluctuations. Avoid moving flowering plants unnecessarily.