Two of the three native Australian Cymbidium species (Cymbidium madidum x Cymbidium suave) combine for the primary hybrid of Cymbidium Kuranda. This exceptional cultivar of Cymbidium Kuranda ‘Arthur Dawson’ is known for being very floriferous, and indeed, it is! With bulbs only filling half of a three quart pot, this orchid produced 11 flower spikes. (Santa Barbara Orchid Estate noted 20 spikes on a plant growing in a 6″ pot). Our plant is a division of the original mother plant (not a mericlone).
These abundant flowers are particularly appreciated as Cymbidium Kuranda is a late season bloomer, beginning to open the first spikes in early June and completing in late July.
Cymbidium Kuranda ‘Arthur Dawson’ is very golden in flower color, especially as the flowers age, compared to other cultivars that I have seen that are more greenish or brownish. Both Cymbidium madidum and Cymbidium suave, as species (and parents) are quite variable, and can be found in various shades of yellow, green, and brown.
Like other hybrids of Cymbidium madidum, Cymbidium Kuranda is temperature tolerant. Just before these photos were created in the second week of June, we had (another) very unusual heat wave with two days of 104F (40C) high temperatures. This preceding winter was quite chilly, dropping below 40F (4C) at night from the first week of November until the middle of March, with many nights below freezing. We move our Cymbidium from the outdoor shade house into the garage if nights are to be below 28F (-2C) for a few days, especially if the weather is damp. They are protected from rain for the entire winter California rainy season and remain dry. I usually do not water at all from late November to early January, which is generally the coldest part of the year in central California.
The growth habit is relatively compact — at least compared to the football-sized pseudobulbs of many Cymbidium madidum hybrids! I have found this one to be a little curious, as Cymbidium Kuranda ‘Arthur Dawson’ tends to sporadically drop outer leaves on the bulbs throughout the season. At first this was a bit concerning, but the orchid continues to grow and bloom steadily. I do not have experience with growing Cymbidium suave; perhaps this is a trait of this parent coming through.
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