'Quan Ying Sue Sing'
Picked this one up in the spring and was surprised with a couple of spikes last month. The fragrance is unparalleled. I can't even describe it, as nothing comes to mind. maybe a little fruity, very crisp and 'fresh', nothing cloying or overly sweet. and very strong during the day.





Native to a broad area in the Far East from China to New Guinea, Cymbidium ensifolium is a highly variable species that has been treasured for over 2500 years by the Chinese and other Asian cultures. It is very compact for the genus and mature plants can generally be maintained in 6" pots. The flower color ranges from solid red to concolor green, and are borne 3-10 at a time on upright spikes, usually during the summer and fall. The most endearing quality, however, may be the sublime fragrance that emanates from the blossoms. The fragrance itself is difficult to describe, very delicate in quality, and yet powerful enough to perfume an entire room during the daylight hours. As with Neofinetia falcata, the overall presentation of Cym. ensifolium, as the balance between foliage and vessel, is most prized by its connoisseurs.

Cym. ensifolium is easy to grow if given plenty of sunlight and water. While it can tolerate the scorching rays typically given to the standard cymbidiums, ensifolium prefers slightly less but still very bright light. It can be grown on the windowsill but a bright south window is a necessity, and the species will be comfortable growing side by side with standard cattleyas (albeit with slightly more water). Cym. ensifolium blooms freely, and does not require the extreme cold snaps that standard cymbidiums require in order to set buds.