Cymbidium erythraeum

We have seen Cymbidium erythraeum growing in the Hiamalayan mountains of Sikkim where we found it from 2000-2500m growing high in the same trees where Coelogyne cristata grows. This habitat is cool and wet and trees have moss growing on the trunks and branches. In the summer wet season it rains most days and in the winter dry season it still rains at least weekly and there are mists that leave the mossy branches dripping with moisture. 

Cymbidium erythraeum is a delicate species with long thin leaves and arching sprays of brightly coloured flowers with a striking red and white lip. The flowers are smaller than many cymbidiums but plants produce masses of blooms.

We grow plants in our Himalayas greenhouse (min 7C) in a bright spot reflecting its preference in the wild for the higher branches of trees, we water all year round but heavier in the summer when we also shade with a double layer of shade net.