Pakkret Floriculture

Cymbidium chloranthum Lindl. is an attractive smallish plant with nice ovoid pseudobulb. Its characteristic of numerous flowers on an upright inflorescence is rarely found among tropical species. Another distinct characteristic is the obvious change of flowers to reddish pink in colour when flowers senesce or get pollinated, or anther caps are removed. This kind of characteristic usually pronounced in C. insigne and C. hookerianum, but not in other tropical species.

In cultivation, this species is rather sensitive to salts and need high quality water. It can also be shy to bloom. Nevertheless, it has good potential for hybridizing heat tolerant cymbidiums. Among the many desirable features are the soft, arching leaves, nicely rounded pseudobulbs, a compact plant size, rounded petals, green coloured flowers and a high flower count.

C. Ensichlor, a primary hybrid with C. ensifolium displays none of the C. chloranthum parent's reluctance to bloom. The cross produces freely flowering plants with attractive green or occasionally salmon flowers.

Flowering Period: Sporadically throughout the year in the tropics, but usually June to November in cultivation in Bangkok.

Distribution & Habitat: Found on trees in shaded locations in tropical evergreen rainforests and semi-shaded loactions on limestone mountains at elevation 250-1000 metres in Palawan of the Philippines, southern Thailand, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and western Malaysia.