Cym. Milton Carpenter 'Everglades Gold' AM/AOS

This delightful orchid is a warm-growing hybrid, created by Bartley Schwarz at Highland Tropicals in 1992. It's a cross of two fantastic parents: Cymbidium Golden Elf and Cymbidium Via Ambarino. Tracing its lineage further, Cymbidium Golden Elf itself is a cross of Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium Enid Haupt. Cymbidium Via Ambarino comes from Cymbidium Via Cox and Cymbidium Thanksgiving. In Milton Carpenter 'Everglades Gold' we behold a beautiful blend of warmth-tolerant and large-flowered genetics.

This particular cultivar was awarded an Award of Merit (AM/AOS) by the American Orchid Society, a testament to its exceptional qualities. The flowers are typically about 3 inches across, displaying a gorgeous bright yellow with a lovely contrasting red or burgundy marking on the lip. They are also known for having a delightful fragrance. The flower shape is well-formed, with broad sepals and petals that create a full, appealing bloom. One of the most impressive traits of 'Everglades Gold' is its ability to flower multiple times a year, even on smaller plants, and it handles warmer temperatures beautifully; a welcome relief for those who struggle with the chill requirements of some other cymbidiums.

The foliage of Cymbidium Milton Carpenter is typically strap-like and upright, a lovely green that forms a graceful clump of pseudobulbs. Mature plants can reach heights of 18 to 24 inches, creating a substantial presence and pleasing presentation when not in bloom. Blooming season can vary, but this hybrid is celebrated for its ability to flower outside of the typical winter-to-spring cymbidium season, often delighting us in summer and fall.

Care Instructions for Cymbidium Milton Carpenter 'Everglades Gold':

Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Think about 50% full sun, similar to what you'd give a Cattleya. Too little light, and you might miss out on those glorious blooms!

Water: Water when the potting medium is nearly dry. While Cymbidiums are a bit more tolerant of moisture than some epiphytic orchids, they still appreciate good drainage. Avoid letting them sit in soggy conditions.

Temperature: This is where 'Everglades Gold' truly shines! It's known for its warmth tolerance, thriving in daytime temperatures from the 70s F into the high 90s F, and nights in the 60s F. It can even tolerate short dips close to freezing, as long as the roots aren't soaking wet.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity is appreciated, around 50-70%. Good air circulation is also important to prevent fungal issues.

Potting Medium: Cymbidiums, being semi-terrestrial, prefer a slightly denser mix than purely epiphytic orchids. A small to medium bark mix or coconut husk blend works wonderfully. They enjoy being a bit "pot-bound," so don't be too quick to repot into a much larger container.