Cymbidium Kiwi Midnight "Geyserland" "Big"

The Cymbidium Kiwi Midnight ‘Geyserland' is a striking orchid with a robust character and impressive blooms. This cultivar is known for its deep, dark purple flowers that tend almost to black - a color that is rare within the genus Cymbidium. The inflorescence is rich and vigorous, with several sturdy flower stems, each bearing an abundance of flowers.

Origin

This plant is the result of a careful breeding process within New Zealand, where the Kiwi Midnight-line was developed for more intense colors and stronger flower stems. The addition 'Geyserland' refers to the specific clone within this line, selected for its exceptionally dark flower color and rich blooms.

Features

• Flower color: Deep purple to almost black, with a contrasting white to pale yellow lip
• Flower size: Medium-sized, about 7-9 cm diameter
• Flower stems: Up to 10-15 flowers per stem
• Growth habit: Compact, with narrow, long leaves growing in an elegant fan
• Flowering time: Usually in winter or early spring
  

This cultivar is a real eye-catcher and is often appreciated by collectors for its mysterious, almost velvety appearance.

Care

Light

Lots of bright, indirect light. Avoid bright afternoon sunlight, but provide enough intensity to encourage flowering.

Temperature

Cymbidiums need cooler night temperatures in autumn to initiate flowering. During the day 18-25 °C, at night it may drop to 10-13 °C.

Substrate

Use an aerated orchid substrate based on coarse bark and coconut fiber, for example.

Humidity

Between 50 and 75%. In dry air, mist regularly, especially in winter when heating. Provide air movement (no drafts) to keep out mold and bacteria.

Nutrition

During the growing period (spring and summer) fertilize weekly with a balanced orchid nutrient. In autumn, switch to a phosphorus-rich flowering medium.

Watering

Demineralized water or clean rainwater is highly recommended, but avoid tap water. Keep the substrate slightly moist during the growing season, but avoid keeping it wet. In winter, the potting soil may feel slightly drier between waterings.

Flowering

This Cymbidium blooms once a year, but flowering often persists for 6 to 10 weeks. Put the plant in cooler temperatures (around 10-13°C) for several weeks in the fall to encourage flower production. At lower temperatures, this species blooms longer.