Outdoors, cymbidiums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or gentle morning sun, while indoors they do best near an east- or west-facing window, protected from harsh, direct sun. Maintaining temperatures between 60–75°F during the day and cooler conditions at night (around 45–55°F) encourages healthy growth and promotes flowering.
Cymbidiums prefer a consistently moist—but not waterlogged—environment, so water thoroughly when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. They grow best in a bark-based orchid medium that provides plenty of airflow around the roots, and it's recommended to repot them every two to three years after blooming or when the medium breaks down.
Fertilize monthly with an orchid-specific fertilizer during their active growing season (spring and summer), reducing the frequency during winter. San Francisco's natural humidity typically supports cymbidiums well, but indoor plants may benefit from extra humidity during the winter. With proper care, cymbidiums bloom reliably each year, typically from late winter through spring, rewarding growers with abundant and eye-catching flowers