How to Grow a Kawano Orchid

"Kawano" is a variety of orchid belonging to the Cymbidium family. These terrestrial (or ground-dwelling) orchids require much of the same type of care as ordinary flowering shrubs. Additionally, they are capable of producing large sprays of long-lasting blooms that can be enjoyed year after year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Planting container
• Soil-based planting medium
• Liquid fertilizer
• Water

Proper Planting

1. Keep your Kawano crowded. Cymbidiums, like most orchids, do best when they are planted in a container that is just big enough to hold the roots and enough potting medium to surround them. There should be no more than one or two inches between the edge of the plant and the edge of the pot.

2. Use a soil-based planting medium. Orchid bark, sold in most garden centers and plant nurseries, is designed for epiphytic (or tree-dwelling) orchids. Cymbidiums grow in the ground and should be planted in soil.

3. Ensure adequate drainage. Like all orchids, Cymbidiums will suffer if they are left to sit in excessively soggy soil or a pool of water. Choose a planting pot with one or more holes in the bottom, and allow the pot to drain thoroughly after each watering. If you keep a saucer under the pot, use pot feet or stones to keep the bottom of the pot away from any water that collects in the saucer.

General Care

4. Provide indirect sunlight. Most orchids require a good deal of light, but can be burned by too much direct sun. Outdoors, place the Kawano where it will receive direct sun in the morning and indirect light throughout the rest of the day. Indoors, an east-facing window or a frosted glass window will provide just the right amount of light.

5. Water frequently. During the growing season, the potting medium should be kept damp but never soggy. During the winter, the plant will not use as much water so the frequency can be reduced, but do not allow the plant to dry out.

6. Feed heavily. Prepare a liquid fertilizer according to the package directions; apply once every two weeks during the growing season and monthly when the plant is out of bloom.

7. Expose to cool temperatures. Kawanos, like other large-bloom Cymbidiums, require cool nighttime temperatures (below 60 degrees Fahrenheit) in order to trigger the blooming process. However, do not allow the plant to freeze.