Cymbidium Eastern Bunny 'Tsuki no Hikari'

Base Price: $65.00

Cross: (goeringii x Lovely Bunny)

Intro:
These are impressive, compact cymbidium hybrids that can flower twice a year, even in the heat of summer! Plants in 5 inch pots can produce up 5 to 10 spikes when root bound. An easy growing orchid suitable for any grower.

Light:
We have grown this cross in several different light conditions with little change in the growth habit. Outdoors in dappled shade works very well, and indoors in medium to low light conditions has also worked well for us. As with most orchids, direct light in the afternoon can burn the leaves.

Temperature:
A common misconception with cymbidiums is that they have to be grown cold. The cool temperatures are needed to initiate flower spikes with cymbidiums, but heat is what makes the plants grow and mature to blooming size. The advantage with Eastern Bunny is that it can flower in warm or cold conditions. These plants can tolerate night temps down to freezing, but should be brought inside when night temps reach below 50 degrees to help avoid rot. The cooler temperatures tend to generate more flower spikes than during the summer. 1 to 3 spikes is common during the warm season, followed by 3 to 7 spikes on average in the fall.

Humidity:
Humidity is always beneficial to orchids. 50% or higher is often the ideal humidity. However, we grow cymbidiums in moisture retaining mixtures such as coco husk, which takes several days to dry out. Since these plants have pseudobulbs, which act as water reservoirs, and strong leaves, retaining high humidity is not so important.

Water:
During the growing season, which is generally spring through fall, cymbidiums should be watered (and fertilized) frequently and heavily; in winter, with less sun and warmth, watering and fertilizing should be reduced.

Fertilizer:
We highly recommend Green Jungle Orchid Food, especially formulated to work with rain, distilled, reverse osmosis water or water low in alkalinity. Fertilize with Green Jungle 3 out of 4 waterings. This is the fertilizer that we developed and use on our own plants. The results have been excellent.

Many growers will use a high phosphate fertilizer such as Grow More 6-30-30 during the 'dormant' season to help initiate flower spikes. We have found that this is not necessary for Eastern Bunny and use the same formula year round.

Flowering:
This plant can produce more than one spike per pseudobulb, and has creamy yellow flowers that produce a slightly sweet fragrance. The spikes generally stand about 12 to 15 inches high. Small plants can produce multiple spikes!

Repotting:
Cymbidiums prefer to be pot bound and do not like excessive growing space for the root system. They will flower better if they root system is tight. Many growers will suggest not to repot until the root system cracks the pot open! Generally, repotting for these plants should be done every 2 to 3 years. We have had the best luck with coco husk and various orchid bark mixes.