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. pubescens

Cymbidium bicolor ssp. pubescens is a superb collector’s orchid for growers who enjoy dramatic contrast, elegant species form and richly patterned flowers. This striking subspecies of the Two-coloured Cymbidium brings together deep maroon, creamy yellow margins and intricately spotted lips in a display that feels both refined and exotic. It is an excellent choice for orchid collectors, seed growers and hobbyists looking for a distinctive tropical Cymbidium with real botanical presence.

Native from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Cambodia through western and central Malesia, including regions such as Borneo, Java, Malaya, the Philippines, Sulawesi and Sumatra, this subspecies grows as a pseudobulbous epiphyte in warm, wet tropical habitats. In nature it is associated with trees and forested environments where its roots can cling, breathe and experience a natural rhythm of humidity, air movement and filtered light. For South African growers, it is best suited to warm, protected shadehouse or greenhouse conditions, while international growers in tropical, subtropical or controlled orchid environments can enjoy it as a rewarding species project.

The plant forms clumps of pseudobulbs with long, glossy, strap-like green leaves that create a lush base for the flowering stems. Mature plants can produce arching to pendant racemes carrying numerous star-shaped blooms, often creating a generous and eye-catching display. The flowers are narrow-segmented and elegant, with deep reddish-brown to maroon central bands bordered by pale creamy yellow to yellow-green margins, giving each bloom a bold bicoloured appearance.

The lip is one of the most attractive features of this subspecies, bringing a warm yellow to orange centre heavily marked with red to burgundy spotting and mottling. Against the dark maroon tepals and pale margins, the lip creates a vivid focal point that gives the flowers their lively, jewel-like character. In habitat and under comparable growing conditions, Cymbidium bicolor ssp. pubescens flowers mainly from spring into summer, often with fragrant blooms carried in graceful sprays.

This seed offering is best suited to patient growers, orchid collectors and propagation enthusiasts. Like most orchid seed, Cymbidium bicolor ssp. pubescens seed is extremely fine and should be germinated by sterile flasking on a suitable orchid nutrient medium rather than sown like ordinary garden seed. For experienced growers or those using specialist flasking services, it offers the exciting opportunity to raise a warm-growing, richly coloured Cymbidium from seed and develop a unique batch of plants over time.

Check out our online seed store and discover our extensive selection of rare, unusual and collectable plant seeds. Buy Now or Add to Cart to secure Cymbidium bicolor ssp. pubescens seeds for your next specialist orchid-growing project and browse our 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.