Tiger Tail Orchid Cymbidium Tiger Tail gx
ABOUT
The Cymbidium Tiger Tail gx, commonly known as Tiger Tail Orchid, is a striking plant with a unique appearance. Its standout feature is the patterned petals and sepals that give it the 'tiger tail' look. The flowers typically exhibit a combination of two main colors, often a base of light green or yellow, with contrasting bold, reddish-brown stripes or spots that mimic the fur of a tiger. These patterns make each bloom look as if it were hand-painted with strokes of wild, untamed beauty. The Tiger Tail Orchid has a symmetrical flower form, with each bloom displaying a trio of slender petals and two broader sepals, encasing a central lip, which is often a focal point due to its vibrant color and sometimes even a different pattern. The lip is usually more pronounced and might have ruffled or fringed edges, adding to the orchid's exotic charm. The plant itself comprises elongated, strap-like leaves that are deep green in color, providing a lush backdrop for the dramatic blooms. These leaves emerge from a central base, typically forming a tidy, yet somewhat arching clump of foliage that cradles the inflorescences. The Tiger Tail Orchid produces erect or slightly arching stems that bear the flowers, with multiple blossoms sometimes arrayed along the length of each stem, showcasing an elegant progression from bud to full bloom. Overall, the Tiger Tail Orchid's visual appeal lies in its vivid colors, artistic floral patterning, and its graceful architectural form, which make it a beloved addition to any orchid collection or as a showy display in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Tiger Tail Orchid, Boat Orchid
Common names
Cymbidium Tiger Tail gx.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Tiger Tail Orchid is not known to be toxic to humans. It is generally considered safe, and there are no reports of serious toxic reactions from ingesting any part of this plant.
To pets
The Tiger Tail Orchid is also not considered toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any harmful effects if your pet were to ingest parts of this orchid. However, it's always a good idea to prevent pets from eating plants as a precaution and to avoid any potential stomach upset that might result from eating non-food items.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: 'Tiger Tail' orchids provide visual appeal with their striking, tiger-striped flowers, adding aesthetic value to indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: They have a long flowering season, which can last several weeks, ensuring a long period of enjoyment.
- Gift Potential: These orchids make excellent gifts because of their unique beauty and long-lasting blooms.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal care compared to many other ornamental plants, making them accessible for busy or novice gardeners.
- Therapeutic Presence: The presence of 'Tiger Tail' orchids can have a calming effect on the environment, helping to reduce stress and enhance mental well-being.
- Variety of Sizes: They come in various sizes, suitable for different spaces, from small apartments to larger garden areas.
- Cultural Significance: Orchids have various symbolic meanings in different cultures, including love, beauty, and refinement, which can add a layer of significance when they are given as gifts or kept in homes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The strong fibers of Cymbidium Tiger Tail, also known as Tiger Tail Orchid, can be used for making fishing lines or nets due to their durability and resistance to decay when wet.
- The large leaves of the Tiger Tail Orchid can be used as natural wraps or plates for serving food, especially in outdoor or traditional settings.
- The blooms of Tiger Tail Orchid can be used as a source of natural dye for fabrics, though it is not a common practice.
- The pseudobulbs of the orchid can function as a natural form of pest control since some gardeners believe they repel certain insects when planted among vegetables.
- Pressed and dried Tiger Tail Orchid flowers could be used for ornamental purposes in crafts like bookmark making or potpourri.
- Floral designers might use the intricate blooms of the Tiger Tail Orchid for creating exotic hairpieces or boutonnières for special occasions.
- In photography or art, the unique pattern of the Tiger Tail Orchid's flowers can serve as a striking subject or inspiration for prints and designs.
- Youth educational programs might utilize the growth and life cycle of the Tiger Tail Orchid to teach children about botany and plant biology.
- Because of their long-lasting nature, Tiger Tail Orchid blooms are ideal for use in long-term floral displays such as hotel lobbies or offices.
- During festivals or cultural ceremonies, the Tiger Tail Orchid could symbolize strength and beauty and be used in decorative motifs or arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cymbidium orchid is believed in Feng Shui to bring luck in relationships and is recommended to be placed in the love and marriage area of the living space to enhance these aspects of life.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cymbidium orchid is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: The Cymbidium, also known as the Boat Orchid, is often associated with exotic beauty, owing to its striking patterns and graceful form that stand out in any setting.
- Rarity: Boat Orchids are relatively rare and coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, symbolizing something precious and unique.
- Refinement: The complex and elegant appearance of the Boat Orchid is seen as a symbol of sophistication and refined taste.
- Love and Affection: Like many orchids, the Boat Orchid is commonly given as a gift to convey love and affection, sometimes symbolizing deep and passionate emotions.
- Longevity: Boat Orchids can have a long blooming period and a long life as a plant, which is why they are often associated with longevity and endurance.
- Fertility: In some cultures, orchids are symbols of fertility and abundance due to their numerous seeds and the vigor with which they can grow.
- Luxury: Due to their rarity and the level of care required to grow them successfully, Boat Orchids also symbolize luxury and a flair for the finer things in life.
- Chinese New Year: In Chinese culture, the orchid, including the Boat Orchid, is a popular gift during the Chinese New Year, representing good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year.
WaterCymbidium orchids, such as the Tiger Tail, should be watered regularly to keep the potting medium moist but not soggy. Typically, watering once a week with 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of water is sufficient, but this can vary depending on the plant’s environment and the season. During active growth in the spring and summer, water more frequently, ensuring the top inch of the potting mix dries out slightly before re-watering. In the winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the potting medium feels dry to the touch. Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent rot.
LightCymbidium Tiger Tail orchids prefer bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window that receives morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. These orchids can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can burn the leaves. Ensure the plant is protected from the harsh midday sun, especially during the hotter parts of the year, to prevent heat stress and leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Tiger Tail Cymbidium thrives in moderate temperatures, favoring a range of 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but such extremes should be avoided. The ideal conditions include daytime temperatures of around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and slightly cooler nighttime temperatures, aiding in healthy growth and flower development.
PruningPrune your Tiger Tail Cymbidium to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower spikes to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done after the plant has finished blooming, usually in the late winter or early spring. Use sterile pruning tools and make clean cuts without tearing the plant material. Regular pruning, about once a year, can also stimulate the orchid to produce more flowers in the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Cymbidium Tiger Tail, commonly known as the Cymbidium or Boat Orchid, includes a combination of bark, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir to ensure proper drainage and aeration. The ideal pH level for Cymbidium orchids should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5.
RepottingCymbidium Tiger Tail, or Boat Orchid, should typically be repotted every two to three years, or when the potting medium starts to decompose. It's best to repot after the blooming season, in the spring.
Humidity & MistingCymbidium Tiger Tail, known as the Boat Orchid, thrives in environments with moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. Consistent humidity is important to replicate their natural tropical habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep at cool temps.
Outdoor
Shelter from direct sun; protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cycleThe Tiger Tail Orchid's life cycle begins with seed germination, which is a complex process that often requires a symbiotic relationship with a specific fungus in the wild. As the seeds develop into protocorms and then young plants, they form leaves and roots. Once mature, the orchid produces pseudobulbs, which store energy and water for the plant, and from these structures, new growths emerge, including leaves and eventually a flowering spike. The flowers of the Tiger Tail Orchid are typically vibrant and intricate, attracting pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the plant will develop seed capsules, containing numerous tiny seeds that can be dispersed by wind, perpetuating the life cycle. During its lifetime, the orchid goes through periods of growth, dormancy, and flowering, with proper care leading to repeated flowering cycles annually or biannually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cymbidium Tiger Tail gx, known commonly as a type of Boat Orchid, can be propagated most effectively through division. This popular method is typically done in the spring after the plant has finished flowering. To propagate by division, carefully remove the orchid from its pot and use a sterile knife to cut the pseudobulbs and rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least three healthy pseudobulbs. After the division, plant each section in its own pot with appropriate orchid potting media, taking care not to bury the pseudobulbs too deeply. Water the new divisions sparingly at first to prevent rot, gradually increasing as they establish. With proper care, these new plants will mature and can eventually flower in a couple of years.
