The Cymbidium belongs to the biggest flowergroup in the world, the orchids. There are more than 20,000 species of orchids, but not every kind of this plant is suitable as a houseplant or a cutflower.

Originally the Cymbidium comes from Nepal, where this beautiful flower grows in the wild at the foot of the Himalaya mountains.

In 1900 the English took some Cymbidium plants to Europe to breed some new varieties.

Nowadays more than a 1000 different Cymbidiums species are available all year. However the production peak is in the winter months.

The name "Cymbidium" originates from the arc-shaped tab in the heart of the flower. This looks like a little boat, "kymbos" in Greek.

This strong, graceful flower is a symbol of valued friendship. For this reason this flower is very popular in China.

Most of the Cymbidiums are sold in a plastic cover. Please remove carefully.

Cut a little piece of the stems with a sharp knife and put the flower in a good solid vase, filled with luke warm water; no additional nutritives are required.

Avoid contact with the lip in the center of the flower. The lip is very sensitive and when it is damaged the flower will deteriorate faster.

Choose a draught-free and shady place for the vase.

Cymbidium grower René van Eijk has nurseries at two locations with a total surface area of ​​35,000 m2 on which they produce 375,000 Cymbidium branches per year. The company specializes in the cultivation of large flowering Cymbidium (orchid) for the cut flower market. The company's objectives are: customized service, flexibility and reliability.

For the cultivation of the Cymbidium, René van Eijk uses the latest techniques. The environment is protected by using biological insect control and waste water, to the extent possible, is purified and reused.

Beside the production of the cut Cymbidium, René van Eijk also has his own breeding program. New crossings are made every year. These are selected by colour, production, reliability, leaf length and overall quality. If a product meets all these criteria, this type will be included in the assortment and brought on the market.

In the spotlight this week: Cymbidium Victoria. This is a cross between Brownie and Tracey Red Away, with a unique mid-tone colour, which is easy to combine and also has a good keepability.

The flower is very suitable for wedding bouquets! Especially for those who want something different from the standard white wedding bouquet.

Currently René van Eijk has about 250 varieties at his disposal; expansion is continuing, so there will be more in the future!

FloraPodium, 24 January 2018