Cymbidium is one of the great classical orchid genera, treasured for its elegant arching foliage, bold flower spikes and long-lasting blooms that can bring colour, fragrance and refinement to a collection for many weeks at a time. Belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae, the genus is widely known as the boat orchid, a name inspired by the distinctive shape of the floral lip in many species. It is a genus that bridges the worlds of serious orchid collecting, florist-quality display plants and rewarding long-term cultivation.

Native mainly across tropical, subtropical and temperate parts of Asia, with several species extending into northern Australia, Cymbidium includes terrestrial, lithophytic and epiphytic orchids. This diversity gives the genus remarkable character: some species grow among leaf litter and humus on forest floors, others anchor into rock crevices, while others live on trees in bright, airy habitats. Their growth is typically sympodial, forming clusters of pseudobulbs topped by long, narrow, leathery leaves that create handsome, fountain-like plants even when not in flower.

The flowers are the real spectacle. Cymbidium blooms may be green, cream, yellow, white, pink, bronze, brown, maroon or richly suffused with contrasting markings. Many carry a beautifully patterned lip, and some species are prized for fragrance as much as form. In bloom, a well-grown plant can look both architectural and luxurious, with upright or arching spikes carrying numerous waxy flowers that often last far longer than many other orchid blooms.

For South African growers, Cymbidium can be especially rewarding in cooler, bright regions or in well-managed shadehouse conditions where summer heat is moderated and autumn to winter nights are cool. For international growers, the genus offers options for cool, intermediate and warmer climates, especially when species and hybrids are chosen carefully. From classic large-flowered hybrids to refined Asian species and miniature types, Cymbidium remains a genus with immense appeal for collectors, gardeners and orchid enthusiasts who enjoy plants with presence, patience and seasonal drama.

Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor – Two-coloured Cymbidium

Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor, the Two-coloured Cymbidium, is a striking species orchid for collectors who appreciate bold contrast, fine detail and natural botanical elegance. Unlike the large, rounded florist Cymbidiums often seen in cut-flower displays, this species has a more graceful, wild character, producing smaller star-shaped flowers with dramatic two-toned colouring and a refined tropical presence that makes it especially appealing to specialist growers.

Native mainly to South India and Sri Lanka, with records also associated with the Andaman and Nicobar region, Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor grows as an epiphytic orchid in warm, seasonally dry tropical habitats. In nature, it is found growing on trees where its roots enjoy air, filtered light and a rhythm of moisture followed by drying. This makes it an exciting subject for South African growers in warm, protected shadehouse conditions, as well as international collectors cultivating in tropical, subtropical or carefully managed greenhouse environments.

The plant forms elegant clumps with clustered pseudobulbs and long, narrow, strap-like green leaves that create a lush, grassy framework around the flowering stems. When mature, it can produce arching to pendant racemes carrying numerous fragrant blooms. The flowers are beautifully star-shaped, with slender, pointed tepals showing a strong bicolour effect: deep maroon to reddish-brown central bands bordered by pale yellow-green to olive margins. The lip adds another layer of colour, often reddish-purple to magenta-pink with mottled markings and a warm yellow throat.

In habitat, Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor flowers mainly in spring to summer, with Indian records often noting blooming from around April into May and sometimes June. A well-grown flowering plant can be exceptionally attractive, with many open blooms held among the green leaves, creating a lively display of maroon, yellow-green and pink tones. The contrast between the dark starry flowers and bright foliage gives this species a distinctive, almost jewel-like appeal.

This seed offering is best suited to patient growers, orchid collectors and propagation enthusiasts who understand the specialist nature of orchid seed. Like most orchids, Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor seed is extremely fine and should be germinated by sterile flasking on a suitable orchid nutrient medium rather than being sown like ordinary garden seed. For experienced growers or those using a professional flasking service, it offers the rewarding opportunity to raise a beautiful and characterful species Cymbidium from seed.

Check out our online seed store and explore our huge range of rare, unusual and collectable plant seeds for South African and International growers. Buy Now or Add to Cart to secure Cymbidium bicolor ssp. bicolor seeds for your next specialist orchid-growing project and browse our massive and diverse selection while you shop. Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping, making it easy to build a varied order of exceptional botanical treasures from one trusted source.