cymbidium-aloifolium

Although the orchids of the genus Cymbidium have literally subjugated the commercial cut-flower greenhouses,you would search for the orginal botanical species in vain . Hybridization of this genus has almost reached the point of perfection,and the newly-formed plants are unbeatable as to their beauty,durability and richness of flowers ,as well as for their strikingly low energy needs:in order to devolop properly ,they only need a temperature low as 50-54 F/10 -12 c in winter (see the chapter''Hybridization and breeding of orchids'') . Even though the vast majority of botanical representatives of the genus(as in the case of their hybrid offspring)are notably cryophilic,C. aloifolium prospers better in a temperate environment .Its pseudobulbs are intensely reduced and tough ; the leaves are tough and belt-shaped and reach lengths of 16 in /40 cm . The overhanging inflorescence can be up to 20 in /50cm long and bears sparse brown-and-red flowers with an interesting ornament on the lip.C.aloifolium is a semi -epiphyte(it grows ,for instance,in the detritus of tree crotches in lower elevations). Cultivation is easy -the plant will settle for the same kind of care as is given to other intermediateorchids .It needs a brief period of rest inorder to bloom profusely. It thrives better if mounted on a wooden slab -adding a little epiphytic substrate to the moss cloak of the roots is recommended. C.aliofolium flowers between may and October and is native to the rainforests on Ceylon,sumatra,Burma,vietnam ,Southern china and other countries .