How to classify Cattleya orchids and key points for appreciating Cattleya orchid varieties.

Large Flowered Cymbidium Varieties

As a star variety among orchid plants, the large flowered cymbidium is highly favored by horticulture enthusiasts for its majestic and elegant blooms. This ornamental plant, native to the Himalayas, has developed hundreds of variants through years of artificial cultivation, making variety identification an important topic in the care process. We will delve into the characteristic differences from three dimensions: flower color, flower shape, and blooming period.

Core Classification System of Large Flowered Cymbidium Varieties

Morphological Character Discrimination Method

According to the international orchid association classification standards, large flowered cymbidiums are mainly divided into three categories: large-flowered (flower diameter > 10cm), small-flowered (flower diameter < 8cm), and Chinese type. Xizang Tiger Head Orchid, as a typical large-flowered representative, has overlapping petals that can reach 15cm; Biyu Orchid shows the exquisite beauty of small flowers; Huangchan Orchid becomes a model of the Chinese type with its special labellum shape.

Blooming Sequence Classification Method

According to the blooming cycle, it can be divided into four types: early blooming (November-December), medium blooming (January-February), summer-autumn blooming (June-September), and late blooming (March-April). The exclusive variety belongs to the typical early blooming system, while the sunset variety often blooms in spring. This timing difference provides possibilities for combined cultivation.

Analysis of Large Flowered Cymbidium Flower Color Spectrum

Pink Series Variety Appreciation

The Guifei variety shows a gradient effect of magenta, with golden patterns at the base of the petals; the Fengmenglu variety has a cherry blossom pink tone and a rounder flower shape; the Menghuan variety presents a blending effect of pink and white, with higher color saturation in low temperature environments.

Special Color Series Variety Collection

In the green series, the Fantasia variety has jade green petals with a waxy luster, and the Biyu variety shows a gradient of嫩 green; the明月 variety in the yellow series has orange-red stripes in the flower center; the white series glacier variety has petals with strong light transmission, emitting a faint fragrance at night.

Development Trend of Modern Hybrid Varieties

Through genetic improvement technology, there have emerged multi-colored stripe varieties and mini pot plant varieties in recent years. Gold Velvet (yellow × red) achieves a blend of warm and cool tones, while the玲珑 series (small flowered × Chinese type) breaks through the limitations of traditional plant shapes, suitable for modern home decoration.

Mastering the characteristics of large flowered cymbidium varieties can not only enhance appreciation levels but also provide a scientific basis for the selection of cultivation environments and blooming period regulation. It is recommended to select varieties with corresponding flower shapes and plant shapes based on lighting conditions and space size to achieve a gardening effect of enjoying flowers all year round.