Cymbidium canaliculatum
🌸flower (2)

Cymbidium canaliculatum

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
8
Observations
3

Description

Source: leafsnap

Cymbidium canaliculatum, commonly known as the channelled boat-lip orchid, tiger boat-lip orchid, native cymbidium or tiger orchid is a plant in the orchid family and is endemic to Australia. It is a clump-forming epiphyte with large, greyish green pseudobulbs, each with up to six curved, deeply channelled leaves and up to sixty fragrant, variably coloured flowers that often have spots and blotches and a white to cream-coloured labellum with red markings. This orchid usually grows in the forks or hollows of trees and is found from New South Wales to the northern parts of Western Australia.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Cymbidium canaliculatum requires regular moisture but can tolerate occasional drought. During the summer, water it weekly, and in the fall and winter, reduce watering to once every ten days. To maintain humidity, especially in dry weather, mist the plant regularly. It's best to use water with a neutral pH for watering; let the water sit for a while before using it to allow dissolved carbon dioxide to dissipate.

☀️ Light Partial sun

Channelled boat-lip orchid is native to habitats such as forest understories or rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can adapt to full sun or full shade, demonstrating its versatility and hardiness.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

The channelled boat-lip orchid does well in warm conditions. It prefers moderately high temperatures but not extreme heat and humidity. Sunlight warms the plant and encourages flowering. However, extended direct sun in summer can cause sunburn, so the amount of light it receives during that season should be controlled. The plant generally tolerates cold poorly, so it needs adequate protection and warmer conditions in winter to prevent freezing.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

Appropriate fertilization is essential for the health and appearance of the Channelled boat-lip orchid. Apply fertilizer to the Channelled boat-lip orchid during summer, repeating the treatment monthly throughout the season. The nutrients provide energy for growth and help maintain the plant's components. Fertilizing improves the Channelled boat-lip orchid's floral display, ensuring the best blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot

When repotting a Channelled boat-lip orchid, select a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage; a clear orchid pot is preferable. Use an orchid-specific, well-draining mix that contains bark or moss. Carefully clean the roots and remove any that are dead or rotting. Repot after flowering, usually in spring or autumn, water thoroughly afterward, and place the plant in bright, indirect light. Once repotted, avoid disturbing the roots.

✂️ Pruning

Cymbidium canaliculatum has evergreen leaves and produces vibrant blooms. To promote new growth, prune the plant in early spring by removing dead leaves and spent flower spikes. This practice improves airflow, reduces the risk of pests, and helps the plant conserve energy for healthy development before the growing season.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Cymbidium
Family
Orchidaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm to 76 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Size
5.08 cm to 6.35 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

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