Standard Cymbidium vs Mini Cymbidium

[j0ker918]

I am considering trying out cymbidiums for the first time to replace my failing money trees. I have seen some huge NOID cymbidium plants on the clearance rack at the local nursey for $25 with multiple unbloomed spikes and I am very tempted to get one but I am worried they may be TOO big. I could ask the nursery to hack the large one into small pieces but maybe it would be easier to wait until I can find a mini cymbidium.

Can anyone tell me the size difference to expect between a mini and a standard cymbidium in terms of leaves and flowers?

[Ron]

Originally Posted by j0ker918

I am considering trying out cymbidiums for the first time to replace my failing money trees. I have seen some huge NOID cymbidium plants on the clearance rack at the local nursey for $25 with multiple unbloomed spikes and I am very tempted to get one but I am worried they may be TOO big. I could ask the nursery to hack the large one into small pieces but maybe it would be easier to wait until I can find a mini cymbidium.

Can anyone tell me the size difference to expect between a mini and a standard cymbidium in terms of leaves and flowers?

Sometimes a very hard project without the plants name.
Some minature flowering Cymbidiums can grow monster leaves while a true miniture flowering plant can have compact leaves.
I would suggest you find a reputable cymbidium nursery and explain that you would like to buy a Cymbidium minature in growth habit and minature size flowers if your are after these types of plants

[Jlie]

Aw, what's wrong w/ your money trees?
I've been diving into classical 'chinese' cymbidiums recently (sinense, ensifolium, goeringii, kanran, faberi to name a few). They're referred to as minis are are indeed small, esp goeringii who is only a few inches high, the leaves are thin like grass and treasured for the way they 'spring' or 'dance on the wind'. The blooms are less fantastical in the world of orchids but are notoriously fragrant (I can attest to this, fragrance to die for). They've been popular in east asian influenced cultures like Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea for thousands of years.

[Cym Ladye]

One step beyond the Asian species for Miniature Cymbidiums is the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate (SBOE), located in Santa Barbara, CA. They have a great website, and will ship anywhere in the US. I have always felt the Asian species a bit touchy to grow, but many have had success on window sills and under grow lights in the home. I would stay away from goeringii, however, as the varieties of this species prefer a much cooler temperature than a home environment usually provides.

Cym Ladye

[j0ker918]

WELLLLLLLLLLL........I ended up getting a variegated Onc. Sharry Baby. Something that is somewhat smaller in size but with multiple blooms throughout the year and still fragrant with more organized/decorative leaves. I will hold off on cymbidiums until I get more space since I watched some youtube videos where they just get so large. But... Jlie, seeing your photos I am tempted to try them next

[JudyC]

Well thanks to Jlie - I now have all these varieties she's posted on my wish list!