Propagation
Division is the normal method of propagation and is carried out after flowering. Remove offshoots that have roots and leaves or use leafless back-bulbs.
The plant is also reproduced by using tissue culture methods.

Note:
Re-potting and Dividing Cymbidiums
Normally re-potting takes place after the flowering periodbut while the plant is actively growing.

Lift the plant out of the pot to examen any signs of growth and avoid re-potting during the hot summer months. Re-potting doesn`t mean dividing and it is good practice not to disturb the roots during this operation.
Toinducenew growth or flowering back-cutting is carried out by selecting 3 to 5 growing bulbs and carefully spread apart then feel down to the rhizome and sever it from the mother plant. This plant then may be then re-potted during late summer.


Botanic information
Leaf: The arching leaves vary in size and are linear to long lanceolate and have a smooth leathery texture and tend to arch backwards from the clump.
The short pseudo-bulbs are enclosed by the leaf bases that are arranged alternately.

Flower: The labiate flower s have 3-sepals and 2-petals with a protruding lip (labellum). The flowers are arranged in a arching raceme that is held above the foliage and emerges from the pseudo-bulb. The size and colour of the flower varies from species to species and the flowering period is normally during spring but there are many winter flowering hybrids.

The fleshy flowers are easily damaged by water that marks petals. Take care and water from below or place the plant in a protected environment when it is raining.

Fruit: The capsule (pod) contains numerous seeds that are small with no endosperm. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.

Culture
Cymbidiumsare the most widely grown orchids preferring ahumid temperate climate as in the east coast of Australia growing in a mottled shaded position.
In these areas the plants areonlymoved under glass to protect blooms from water damage or protected from frosts otherwise they are normally an outdoor plant living happily at the base of trees or in log hollows. They require some direct light in the early morning or late afternoon.
If grown in climates ofdry atmospherethey should be placed in an enclosed bush-house, about 20sq metres which maintains a moist floor for humidity.
In cooler areas they require heating and are placed inside a glasshouse to maintain a temperature range of 10ş to 24ş C.

Cymbidiums flower poorlyin the tropics and under heavy shade but prefer 25 to 55 per cent shade which can be achieved by using a coarsely woven shade cloth. Plants with yellow to green coloured buds require more shade than the pinks to red blooms.

Soil
Naturally Cymbidiums grow in the hollow of trees in leaf-mould and rotted wood so mixes made up for potted plants must be well composted organic matter that allowsfree movement of air and waterto pass through and tending acidic pH 5.5 to 6. It should also be firm and not decomposed too quickly otherwise the plant looses its anchorage.

Suggested potting mix
One quarter tan bark, one quarter coursed washedriver sand, one quarter charcoal(pea-size) and one quarter rotted leaf mould or composted cow manure. Small stones or washed gum nuts may also be included. There are many variations of potting mixes but they must be aerie and well drained.

Watering and Fertilising
During summer water regularly and keep the compost moistbut not wet then reduce watering during the cooler months to once a week. When fertilising first water thoroughly to remove residues of previous fertilising and feed with a liquid orchid mix fortnightly from early spring to early autumn.
If the plants are feed during winter this will result in the loss of buds or flower spikes.