Winter Orchid Plant Care

Winter Orchid (Cymbidium hookerianum) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Cymbidium genus. Winter Orchid is native to India, China, and Vietnam. Winter Orchid is also known as Himalayan Cymbidium.

Winter Orchid displays an upright, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Winter Orchid produces colorful, long-lasting blooms in various shades.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Winter Orchid every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Winter Orchid thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Winter Orchid in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Cymbidium hookerianum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Winter Orchid prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Winter Orchid to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Winter Orchid every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining orchid mix with bark chips and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Winter Orchid is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Winter Orchid can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Winter Orchid while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Winter Orchid is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Winter Orchid can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aloes-leaf orchid plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Winter Orchid is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Winter Orchid grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Winter Orchid is native to India, China, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Winter Orchid as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.