Cymbidium insigne

Cymbidium insigne is a terrestrial orchid native to the cloud forests of Thailand, Vietnam and Hainan (China), growing in shallow sandy soil among sandstone rocks between 1000 and 2600 m elevation. A large species, it forms ovoid, laterally flattened pseudobulbs bearing 6 to 10 narrow, linear leaves. It flowers from autumn through spring on an erect spike carrying up to 27 flowers, 7 to 9 cm across, white to pastel pink. Introduced to Europe in the late 18th century, it played a major role in breeding modern Cymbidium hybrids. Grow cool and bright, in free-draining compost.