Chinese folklore dictates "It is better to die of starvation than die of overeating". Applied to Cymbidiums, it means that fertilization needs to be handled with care so as to prevent excess application. Too much and too strong fertilizer will damage the cells in the roots, hinder the normal respiration of the plants and create physiological deficiency leading to death. With that cautionary statement in mind, Chinese Cymbidiums have voracious appetites; they are "fertilizer pigs".

Fertilization of Chinese Cymbidiums involves frequent application of light dosage, taking into account the species. For example, ensifolium and sinense with wide leaves, large plant size can withstand stronger fertilizer than kanran and georengiii. Also, during the rest period fertilizer can be cut back severely, while during the growth period regular fertilization can be supplemented with foliar application of a weak solution. A rule of thumb is to use regular balanced plant fertilizers at 1/5 the recommended dosage. Folliar fertilizer application can be done at 1/10 the regular dosage.

During the growth period fertilization can be done every week, substituting clear water every fourth week to wash salts from the plant and media. A trick that I learned from the growers in China is to substitute an organic fertilizer about once a month in place of the chemical fertilization to give the plant some of the trace elements. There are several organic fertilizers on the market but my favorite is made from Bat Guano that I use at ¼ strength.

A trick to induce flowering in sinense, kanran and georengii, is to suddenly reduce the watering to once a week and and skip the fertilizing regime for two periods around September 15. The slight dryness and lack of nitrogen will stress the plant causing it to bloom.

Supplemental fertilizer application

Folliar fertilizing is an increasingly popular method to supplement the regular fertilizing routine. This is particularly important in Asian Cymbidium because much of the value in a plant comes from having perfect leaves. Fertilizer is applied directly to the leaves allowing for direct absorption into the plant. It uses less fertilizer, and reduces watering and salt accumulation in the pots.

Each grower in Taiwan, China and the US seem to have a secret formula to increase the strength and increase the rate of division of the plants. Typically if you are looking for more divisions you would use higher nitrogen balanced fertilizers like 20/20/20. For blooming use a 10/30/20. Remember folliar fertilizers need to be applied very diluted.

This two-part article appeared in the American Orchid Society Magazine "Orchids" in July 1999 and August 1999. All photographs are copyright of Charles Marden Fitch 1999 and cannot be used without permission of him or the author.