How to grow cymbidium orchids in australia?

G'day from Sydney! I've got a collection of 50+ cymbidiums that bloom spectacularly every year. Here's my approach:

I grow mine in terracotta pots with extra drainage holes. The mix is 80% medium orchid bark, 10% perlite, 10% charcoal. They're under 50% shade cloth year-round - our Australian sun is too intense otherwise.

The key to flowering is the winter temperature drop - I actually look forward to cold nights! I stop fertilizing in autumn and reduce watering. The flower spikes emerge in late winter, and I stake them early.

In spring, I move them to a more protected spot to protect the flowers from hot winds. After flowering, I divide any overcrowded plants and repot. They're such rewarding plants - some of my specimens are 20+ years old!

The flowers last for months and make fantastic cut flowers too.

Cymbidium orchids thrive in many parts of Australia! I've grown them successfully for 15+ years in Melbourne:

They're perfectly adapted to Australian climates - needing cool winters to initiate flower spikes. Plant in special orchid mix (pine bark chips) in pots with excellent drainage. They like being slightly pot-bound.

Light requirements: bright but filtered light - under 50% shade cloth or deciduous trees. Too much sun scorches leaves, too little prevents flowering. Watering: keep evenly moist during growth, reduce in winter.

Feeding: use orchid fertilizer regularly during growing season. Winter cooling is crucial - they need 4-6 weeks of nights below 15°C to spike. Don't protect from winter cold!

They're surprisingly tough once established. Divide after flowering when pots become overcrowded.

Australian Orchid Council has excellent region-specific advice from local experts!