Cymbidium goeringii ‘Yu Hu Die’ 余蝴蝶

Cymbidium goeringii ‘Yu Hu Die’ 余蝴蝶 is a famous traditional Asian Cymbidium prized for its extraordinary multi-petalled flowers and intensely fragrant blooms.

Unlike many collectible Asian Cymbidiums that are selected primarily for foliage variegation, ‘Yu Hu Die’ is all about the flower form. Mature plants can produce remarkably complex green flowers composed of numerous overlapping floral segments. The inner portions of the bloom can develop many small green to pale-yellow petals, sometimes accompanied by reddish markings, producing a densely layered flower with an almost chrysanthemum-like or butterfly-like appearance.

One of the most fascinating characteristics of ‘Yu Hu Die’ is that individual flowers can differ from one another. Some develop a compact, rounded appearance while others form more elaborate layered structures, making each flowering event somewhat unique. This unusual floral structure has made ‘Yu Hu Die’ a celebrated cultivar among traditional Asian orchid collectors. 

The flowers are also strongly fragrant, with historical descriptions noting a particularly rich fragrance and blooms lasting approximately three weeks under favourable conditions. 

The Chinese name 余蝴蝶 (Yu Hu Die) literally incorporates “butterfly,” reflecting the cultivar’s unusually elaborate floral appearance.

This is the standard Yu Hu Die 余蝴蝶, not Yu Hu Die Zhua 余蝴蝶爪, which is a separate form selected for claw-type leaf-tip variegation. 

The plant pictured is representative of the size offered.

Care

Light: Bright filtered light with some gentle morning or late-afternoon sun. Avoid extreme midday summer sun.

Temperature: Cool to intermediate. Like other Cymbidium goeringii, it benefits from a pronounced seasonal temperature change.

Water: Water thoroughly during active spring and summer growth, allowing excellent drainage. The mix should remain lightly moist but never continuously saturated.

Winter Rest: Important. Cooler autumn and winter temperatures combined with reduced watering encourage proper flower development.

Humidity: Moderate humidity with good air circulation.

Potting: Use an airy, free-draining Asian Cymbidium mix that provides excellent root aeration.

Fertilizer: Feed lightly during active growth and reduce feeding significantly during the cool winter period.

Growth Habit: Compact Asian Cymbidium
Foliage: Narrow green arching foliage
Flower Type: Multi-petalled / butterfly-form unusual flower
Flower Colour: Green to yellow-green with occasional reddish markings
Fragrance: Strongly fragrant
Flowering Season: Late winter to spring
Temperature: Cool to intermediate
Species: Cymbidium goeringii
Cultivar: ‘Yu Hu Die’ 余蝴蝶

HOW TO GROW

If you’re new to Asian Cymbidiums, here’s a quick guide.

Light: Moderate to low. Most Cymbidiums are high light, but the Asian Cymbidiums are different. They do Best in a relatively shady spot.

Temperature: Hot to cold. Warm summers and cool winters give these temperate growers what they need, not below freezing, but you can leave them out till around 5-10c not problem, and temps over 30c fine as well.

Potting/Watering: Chinese Cymbidiums have long, straight, fat roots, pot them in a tall pot. use a coarse medium like Spagmoss and medium-sized bark or coco chunks. Asian Cymbidiums like a moist environment but not wet feet, so go for an open medium. Fertilize regularly in warm weather but not in cool, This should induce flowering in late winter to spring.

A variety of Asian cymbidiums known for their compact size, cold hardiness, and fragrant bloom. Very shade tolerant.

Orchid with be shipped bare root wrapped in moss.

Root Status: fresh young roots - division or recent import within last 90 days

Price is for one plant similar to the last photos.

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