Cycnodes (Cycd.) Taiwan Gold ‘Orange’

This deciduous beauty, Cyc. Taiwan Gold 'Orange', is a spectacular hybrid known for its vibrant, almost glowing orange blooms. The flowers emerge on pendant spikes, often in great numbers, creating a dramatic curtain of color. The individual flowers are full and waxy, displaying a stunning, uniform citrus-orange hue. The plants are robust growers, producing large, fleshy pseudobulbs that store water and nutrients for the plant's dormant period. The foliage is a light to medium green, typically dropping shortly after the pseudobulbs mature in the fall, preceding the blooming season. The plant offers a unique growth cycle that rewards the grower with an unforgettable floral display.

Quick Start Summary:

Light: Bright, indirect light similar to what Cattleya or Vanda orchids prefer during the growth cycle.

Temps: Warm temperatures, 65 F to 85 F during the growing season; cooler during dormancy.

Water: Heavy watering while actively growing; virtually no water once the leaves drop and pseudobulbs are mature.

Humidity: High, 60 percent to 80 percent is ideal during the active growth period.

Fertilizer: High-nitrogen fertilizer while in full leaf; low-nitrogen or none during dormancy.

Media: Well-draining, moisture-retentive mix such as bark, sphagnum moss, or a coco chip blend.

🌺 Orchid Lore & Discovery

Cyc. Taiwan Gold is a complex hybrid created from Cyc. lehmannii and Cyc. chlorochilon. The genus Cycnoches is native to tropical rainforests across Central and South America. Cycnoches chlorochilon, the 'Swan Orchid,' contributes its large flower size and green-yellow coloration, while Cycnoches lehmannii lends its clustering habit. The resulting hybrid, Cyc. Taiwan Gold, is prized for combining the best traits of its parents: ease of culture, vigorous growth, and a magnificent display of brilliantly colored flowers, in this case, a luminous orange. These deciduous orchids have a fascinating growth cycle, spending a few months in dormancy to conserve energy before a spectacular annual bloom.

🌿 How to Grow Cyc. Taiwan Gold 'Orange'

Light: Cyc. Taiwan Gold 'Orange' requires high light levels when actively growing, from the time new shoots emerge until the leaves begin to yellow. Provide bright, indirect light, slightly less intense than full sun. South-facing exposure, shaded by a thin curtain, or a position receiving 2000 to 4000 foot-candles is excellent. Insufficient light will result in shy blooming, while too much direct, intense sun can burn the soft leaves.

Temps: This orchid is a warm-grower during its active season. Daytime temperatures should be between 75 F and 85 F, with nighttime temperatures no lower than 65 F. Consistent warmth is key for rapid growth. As the plant approaches dormancy and the leaves drop, it can tolerate a slight cooling period, down to 55 F at night, which can help induce flowering. Avoid freezing temperatures at all times.

Water: Watering must strictly follow the plant's growth cycle. When new growths are about 3 in. tall and have developed roots, begin watering heavily. The potting media should be kept consistently moist but not soggy during the entire growth phase, typically from spring through early fall. Once the pseudobulbs have matured and the leaves have dropped (dormancy), watering must be drastically reduced or stopped entirely. Only mist lightly or water once a month to prevent shriveling of the pseudobulbs until new growth and roots appear.

Humidity: High humidity levels of 60 percent to 80 percent are beneficial during the active growth season. This promotes soft, lush growth and prevents pseudobulbs from shriveling in the heat. Air circulation is critical to prevent fungal issues, especially when humidity is high. A gentle fan or open vents are recommended.

Fertilizer: Fertilize heavily during the active growth period, from the appearance of new roots until the leaves begin to yellow. Use a balanced, high-nitrogen formulation (e.g., 30-10-10) at full strength once a week or a diluted solution at every watering. Reduce or eliminate fertilizer entirely once the leaves drop and the plant enters dormancy, as the plant cannot absorb the nutrients.

Media: A coarse, well-draining media that retains some moisture is ideal. A mix of medium-grade fir bark, charcoal, and perlite, or a blend of sphagnum moss and coco chips, works well. Repotting is best done right as new growth begins and new roots are just starting to emerge from the base of the new shoot. Choose a pot just large enough to accommodate one to two years of growth.

Grown in 3" pots.