Author: florist Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
Cymbidium (also called the boat orchid) is an orchid with large waxy flowers and one of the longest-lasting. You can find it as a cut flower for a vase and as a plant in a pot. It blooms richly during Advent and the Christmas season, which is why it is a popular Christmas decoration and gift.
In this guide you will find out how long cut cymbidium lasts in a vase, how to care for a potted cymbidium, how to water it and where to put it, and how to make it bloom again next year. At the end you will find answers to the most common questions.
What is a cymbidium and why does it bloom for so long
A cymbidium has a row of large flowers on a long stem in many colours, from snow white through pastel pink to yellow or green. Unlike other orchids, it prefers a cooler spot.
A tip from florist Míša
“The waxy flowers of the Cymbidium are so durable thanks to a thicker skin that prevents water from evaporating – that is exactly why they can keep blooming for several weeks, while ordinary flowers fade within days.”
Cut cymbidium in a vase
Our cut cymbidium has a stem of about 60 cm and 8–10 flowers, grade A1. You can choose the colour when ordering. A tip from Míša:
“A Cymbidium will easily last a month in a vase if you place it away from heating and direct sun. Remove spent flowers gradually so that the plant concentrates its strength on the remaining buds.”
Potted cymbidium: light, temperature and watering
- Light: A bright spot, a cymbidium also tolerates mild direct sun. Scorching sun is not good for it.
- Temperature: It prefers a cooler spot, 15–20 °C for the mini cymbidium. If you put it somewhere cool at night, it will bloom longer. Keep it away from heating, the dry air from a radiator does not suit it.
- Watering: For the 60 cm plant in a pot, water 3–4 times a week in summer and once a week from October to March. For the mini cymbidium, soak the pot in water once a week, leave it for 15 minutes and pour away the excess water.
How to make a cymbidium bloom again
During the summer (June to September) a cymbidium benefits from being outdoors on a balcony or terrace. It is exactly the difference between a warm day and a cooler night that triggers new blooming next year. Without it the plant survives, but it will not bloom again.
Remove spent flowers gradually so that the plant does not waste energy on seeds and sets new buds faster.
Cymbidium as a Christmas decoration and a gift
A cymbidium blooms richly during Advent and the Christmas season and works as a decoration for a festive table as well as a gift. A potted plant keeps blooming for weeks. You will find more tips in the category Christmas and in the article about orchids as a gift.
- Cymbidium (cut) for 499 CZK, a stem of about 60 cm with 8–10 flowers.
- Cymbidium mixed colours for 798 CZK, a 60 cm plant in a 12 cm pot with 2–3 flower stems.
- Mini Cymbidium mixed colours for 390 CZK, a compact 40 cm plant for a desk or bedside table.
Frequently asked questions about the cymbidium
How long does cut cymbidium last in a vase?
Easily a month if you place it away from heating and direct sun.
How often should I water a potted cymbidium?
For the 60 cm plant 3–4 times a week in summer and once a week from October to March. For the mini cymbidium, soak the pot in water for 15 minutes once a week and pour away the excess.
How do I get a cymbidium to bloom again next year?
Put it outside on a balcony or terrace over the summer (June to September). The difference between a warm day and a cooler night triggers new blooming.
What should I do with spent flowers?
Remove them gradually so that the plant does not waste energy on seeds and sets new buds faster.
Where should I put a cymbidium?
In a bright place away from heating. It tolerates mild direct sun and prefers a cooler spot, 15–20 °C for the mini cymbidium.
How much does a cymbidium cost?
Cut cymbidium 499 CZK, Cymbidium mixed colours (60 cm in a pot) 798 CZK and Mini Cymbidium 390 CZK.
Looking for more orchid advice? Read how to care for orchids so they bloom beautifully, the complete guide to growing orchids, orchid types or how to repot an orchid. You will find all orchids in the category Orchids.
More orchids you may like
Christmas delivery 2026: We accept orders until the morning of 24 December, with delivery in the 9–12 time window. We do not deliver on 25, 26 and 27 December. We deliver again from 28 to 31 December, on 31 December by 5 pm at the latest. We do not deliver on 1, 2 and 3 January.
Míša, KvětinyExpres.cz
