Four-Season Orchid

(Cymbidium ensifolium)

Four-Season Orchid (Cymbidium ensifolium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cymbidium ensifolium, commonly known as the Four-Season Orchid or Golden-Thread Orchid, is an evergreen perennial herb native to subtropical and tropical forest margins, grassy slopes, and open rocky areas of East Asia, particularly in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand. It typically grows 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall and wide, with long, strap-shaped leaves and arching flower spikes. The plant produces small to medium-sized, waxy, and fragrant flowers that can range in color from green to yellow, often with a contrasting red or maroon lip. The flowering season spans from late summer to winter, and the blooms are highly regarded for their beauty and longevity.

The Four-Season Orchid is celebrated for its year-round flowering potential and its resilience as a cultivated orchid. It is a popular choice for indoor cultivation and in temperate orchid collections, often grown in pots or baskets with well-draining orchid media. It requires consistent moisture but must not be waterlogged, and it thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate a range of temperatures, it prefers intermediate to warm conditions. In addition to its horticultural appeal, Cymbidium ensifolium has cultural significance in East Asia, where it is associated with nobility and elegance.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Bulb, Herb
  • Height: 0.6-2 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Brown, Green
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Potted Plant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to subtropical and tropical forest margins, grassy slopes, and open rocky areas of East Asia, particularly in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand

Other Names

Common Names: Subtropical Boat Orchid, Chien Lan, Sword-leaved Cymbidium

Scientific Names: , Cymbidium ensifolium, Cymbidium albomarginatum, Cymbidium arrogans, Cymbidium ensifolium f. arcuatum, Cymbidium ensifolium f. falcatum, Cymbidium ensifolium f. flaccidior, Cymbidium ensifolium f. misericors, Cymbidium ensifolium subsp. arcuatum, Cymbidium ensifolium subsp. falcatum

GBIF Accepted Name: