Cymbidium ensifolium v. Tie Gu Su Xin (铁骨素心) - Orchid Board

smartie2000 · #1 09-06-2007, 09:15 PM

Cymbidium ensifolium v. Tie Gu Su Xin (铁骨素心) is in bloom. She is an alba form of this species, I read that susin or Su Xin means alba in chinese. This clone has slightly marinally variegated leaves. The new growths under my conditions look more variegated than the nursery growths. Blooms are slightly greenish, with very flat sepals and a light spicy scent.

Cymbidium ensifolium is an easy grower indoors that somes in several different colours, definitely recommended for beginners with cymbidiums. Also some varieties come in odd shapes or peloric ones that are highly collectable in Asia(I find those forms not too pretty though!). Usually a summer to fall bloomer as well.

It is planted in a well draining mix. Small bark and tons of sponge rock, the sphag is only a top dressing for decorative reasons, and it is planted in a tall narrow pot. The pot should be tight on the roots (tall and narrow) and I read that it is better for blooming. The chinese have grown these this way for centuries. My pot is quite exaggerated in height for decorative reasons (some balance in appearance with the foliage) and this is the tallest pot I have. The pot looks shorter in the photo because of the angle. This plant is grown on the windowsill.

gmdiaz · #2 09-06-2007, 10:34 PM

Gorgeous in every way!

I give it a 10!

Bird Song Farm · #3 09-07-2007, 06:52 AM

Stunning! Thanks for sharing!

smweaver · #4 09-07-2007, 10:19 AM

That's stunning. Even without the flowers it would still be a beauty. But the fragrance is only slight? I thought ensifolium was renowned for its strong scent. Perhaps the scent of the albas is not as intense? Still, all things considered, that's a gloriously handsome plant. Congratulations!