Additional notes (click to expand)

Horticulture

Keep fairly dry over winter in cool climates with a minimum night temperature of 15 C if sunlight levels are also low. In summer plant in a damp, shady site where it will flower erratically from July to November. In cooler locations flowers from January to April.
Oakeley, Dr Henry () An Introduction to Oriental Cymbidiums (Section Jensoa)

Other use

In Japan, legend has it that a sterile Emperor’s wife inhaled the inebriating perfume of Cymbidium ensifolium and went on to have 13 children
3. Berliocchi L. (2004) The Orchid in Lore and Legend. Ed. Mark Griffiths. Timber Press Portland, Oregon, USA.

Geographical distribution

  • Asia-Temperate, China
  • Asia-Temperate, Eastern Asia, Japan
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, India
  • Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka
  • Asia-Tropical, Indo-China, Thailand
  • Asia-Tropical, Malesia

Cymbidium ensifolium Sw.

Family: ORCHIDACEAE
Genus: Cymbidium
Species: ensifolium Sw.
Common names: Chien Lan Orchid; Fukien Orchid
Distribution summary: East Asia
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H1c - Heated greenhouse; warm temperate
Garden status: Not currently grown
Flowering months: January, February, March, April
Reason for growing: Medicinal


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