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 faberi – Faber’s Cymbidium, Multi-flower Orchid

Cymbidium faberi, often known as Faber’s Cymbidium or the multi-flower orchid, is a truly captivating species for collectors who appreciate the wilder, more botanical side of Cymbidium. Rather than the oversized look of modern hybrids, this species offers natural elegance, abundance and intricate detail, producing graceful spikes of starry blooms that glow in greenish-yellow to olive tones and reveal beautifully patterned, deep burgundy lips.

Native from Nepal and northern India through parts of China to Myanmar and Taiwan, Cymbidium faberi grows in subtropical mountain regions where it may be found in sunny grasslands, open slopes, steep banks, cliffs and lightly wooded habitats. It is a rewarding species for South African and International orchid enthusiasts who can provide bright filtered light, excellent drainage, good air movement and a cool to intermediate seasonal rhythm.

The plant forms handsome clumps of long, narrow, strap-like green leaves, creating a lush upright frame for its flowering stems. In bloom it is especially striking, carrying multiple open flowers on erect to gently arching spikes. The flowers are slender and star-shaped, with yellow-green to olive-green petals and sepals that are finely speckled and striped, while the lip is richly marked in cream, maroon, burgundy and deep red, giving each bloom a dramatic, almost leopard-spotted centre.

In habitat, Cymbidium faberi typically flowers in spring, when mature plants can produce an impressive display of several lightly scented flowers per spike. A well-grown specimen has wonderful presence, with the fresh green foliage contrasting beautifully against the complex dark lips and softly mottled floral segments. It is an excellent choice for growers who enjoy species Cymbidiums with character, fragrance, texture and a strong natural identity.

This seed offering is best suited to experienced growers, orchid collectors and specialist propagation enthusiasts. Like most orchid seed, Cymbidium faberi seed is extremely fine and should be germinated by sterile flasking on a suitable orchid nutrient medium rather than treated like ordinary garden seed. For patient growers or those using professional orchid propagation services, it offers the exciting opportunity to raise a distinctive and highly collectable Asian Cymbidium species from seed.

Visit our online seed store and discover our vast and diverse collection of rare, unusual and collectable species for growers around the world. 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. Buy Now or Add to Cart to secure Cymbidium faberi seeds for your next specialist orchid-growing project.