Cymbidium lowianum, called Low's boat orchid, is a species of orchid in the genus Cymbidium, native to Assam in India, Yunnan in China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Low's boat orchid typically has strong resistance to disease and is affected by relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered difficult because it needs high humidity together with good ventilation and an environment with few harmful pathogens. Too much watering can cause root rot. Although anyone can grow Low's boat orchid, keeping it healthy and getting it to flower again requires more cultivation experience.
How to keep Cymbidium Lowianum.
Light
Low's boat orchid grows best in places with moderate sunlight, because too much sun can damage its development. Its native environment indicates a liking for lower light intensity. Without enough sun its health and vigour can suffer — growth may be stunted and flowering reduced. The different stages of its development are not substantially influenced by varying sunlight levels.
Water
Low's boat orchid flourishes in environments with high humidity and requires weekly watering to remain healthy. As an evergreen plant, it maintains its lush green leaves throughout the year. Its preference for humid conditions makes it an excellent choice for indoor settings, especially in dry climates. The orchid's water needs are balanced—it is neither drought-tolerant nor should it be kept too moist.
Temperature
Low's boat orchid is native to regions where temperatures range from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C). It does best in conditions that replicate its natural habitat, so it prefers that same temperature range. Temperatures should be adjusted with the seasons to promote optimal growth.
Fertilizer
Proper fertilization is essential for the health and appearance of Low's boat orchid. Fertilize Low's boat orchid in summer, repeating the application monthly throughout the season. Nutrients fuel growth and help maintain the plant's parts. Fertilization improves Low's boat orchid's flower display, ensuring the best blooms.
Pruning
Low's boat orchid produces long-lasting blooms on arching spikes. After the flowering period, it's important to prune the plant, ideally from late winter to early spring. This involves removing spent flower spikes and dead leaves to encourage new growth, prevent diseases, and improve airflow, which helps ensure vibrant blooms in the future.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cymbidium
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Green, Red, Yellow
- Flower Size
- 7.62 cm to 10.16 cm
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, China
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Low's boat orchid?
The watering method for your Low's boat orchid depends on whether it is in an active growth phase or not. During active growth, water the soil and, if it's warm, occasionally water the plant from above. In contrast, during winter or cool and wet weather, focus on watering the soil directly without overhead watering. Look for signs of dehydration like thin and dry roots and leaves or discoloration. If it receives too much water, the orchid will appear mushy and limp. Plant it in a well-draining potting mix and ensure proper drainage. During the growing season, water the orchid multiple times a week, allowing water to drain quickly. Adjust the amount of water depending on the pot size, with larger pots needing water less frequently. Use rainwater or distilled water that matches the air temperature as closely as possible.
Why do I have to fertilize my Low's boat orchid?
Fertilizer and soil nutrients play a crucial role in fueling the growth of your Low's boat orchid. Plants primarily rely on these nutrients to develop new plant material and maintain their existing components. Specifically for the Low's boat orchid, fertilization is essential for showcasing its flowers at their best. Since the flowers are the main attraction, most gardeners aim to optimize their appearance. Fertilization is one of the most dependable methods to help your Low's boat orchid produce exceptional blooms.
How much sunlight does the Low's boat orchid need to grow?
Epiphytic Orchids that thrive in partial sun require 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. To prevent overheating, they should be positioned in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Orchids exposed to excessive sun may develop sunburned leaves and dry out if not provided with sufficient humidity to withstand the heat.
What temperature is best for Low's boat orchid?
Both Low's boat orchid and Low's boat orchid have different maintenance needs, but they both prefer the same temperature range. To ensure optimal growth for warm-weather plants, keep the temperature between 75-90℉ (25-32℃). While Low's boat orchid can tolerate temperatures outside this range, it's best to keep the growing environment within a few degrees of these limits. Low's boat orchid can withstand temperatures as low as 50℉ (15℃) and as high as 95℉ (35℃). However, since it prefers warmer weather and is typically grown in summer when planted outdoors, it's crucial to avoid temperatures below 70℉ (25℃). Temperatures below 50℉ (15℃) can cause damage or even kill the plants.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Low's boat orchid?
To prevent your Low's boat orchid from dying, avoid keeping it in overly moist soil. These plants require regular watering during active growth but also need a well-draining growing medium. Overwatering can lead to mushy roots and root rot. In such cases, use sterile pruning shears to remove any rotting roots and then repot the orchid in a container with good drainage, using a fast-draining potting mix. However, be cautious of excessive repotting as Low's boat orchids don't respond well to it. It's important to find the right balance in watering. If you notice your orchid becoming dehydrated, withering, and feeling dry to the touch, it's likely due to the soil drying out faster than you expected. In this case, increase your watering frequency accordingly.
When should I fertilize my Low's boat orchid?
The Low's boat orchid goes through two main phases each year. The first phase is the dormant phase, during winter, where minimal new growth occurs. The second phase is the active growth phase, happening in spring and fall, requiring the most fertilization. For optimal results, start fertilizing your Low's boat orchid in the spring and continue once a month until the end of summer. As fall approaches, you can gradually reduce the fertilization rate.
What will happen if the Low's boat orchid doesn't receive enough sunlight?
Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun may not bloom as much if they don't get enough sunlight. In addition, their leaves may become darker green than usual. To prevent damage to the leaves and flowers, gardeners should make sure these plants get enough indirect light and shade.
Does the boat orchid from Low's require different temperatures for different stages of growth?
To ensure the Low's boat orchid blooms fully, it's important to maintain a consistent temperature range. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can be harmful, regardless of the growth phase. Temperature below 70℉ (25℃) and above 90℉ (32℃) can slow down growth, while prolonged periods below 50℉ (15℃) can prevent flowering altogether. Since Low's boat orchid is not hardy, it requires a well-controlled environment for proper growth. It's crucial to have control over the temperature. Additionally, the orchid needs a cool period, which we will discuss in more detail below.
How often do I need to water my Low's boat orchid?
To properly care for your Low's boat orchid during its active growth stage (spring and summer), water it once or twice per week. If it's extremely hot or dry for an extended period, increase watering to three times per week or more. In winter, water your orchid, but not as frequently. Two to three times per month will suffice during the coldest months. Keep in mind that if you place your orchid indoors during winter, the soil may dry out faster, so you may need to water it more often. During fall, gradually decrease watering from summer levels to your reduced winter schedule.
When is it a bad idea to use fertilizer on my Low's boat orchid?
If you want to help your Low's boat orchid grow, it's important to avoid root burn. In the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, it needs extra nutrients. However, during the fall and winter, when the plant enters its dormant stage, you should stop fertilizing.
What will happen if the Low's boat orchid gets too much sunlight?
If Epiphytic Orchids that prefer partial sun are exposed to too much direct sunlight, their leaves can become sunburned and dry out. To prevent this damage, gardeners should make sure their plants receive adequate shade and indirect light. Additionally, maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial in hot climates. A good strategy is to place the orchids in a location that receives morning sun and some afternoon shade, while also using sheer curtains or blinds to create indirect light and shade. Regular watering is important for these orchids to maintain the right humidity levels and promote healthy leaves and flowers. By providing the right balance of sunlight, humidity, and shade, gardeners can enjoy beautiful blooms from their Epiphytic Orchids throughout the year.
Here are three tips to help you keep Low's boat orchid temperature under control.
Tip #1