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Because of our foggy, cool nights, weather conditions in San Francisco are ideal for growing certain orchid species that thrive in cloud forests. Of these, cymbidiums have perhaps the biggest, showiest blooms. Out of bloom they don't look like much, but of course since they're potted you can always move them to a less obvious spot.

Our friend Jason Dewees, who works at Flora Grubb Gardens and knows everything about tropicals, offers this advice:

Cymbidiums require a half-day of sun, mild orchid fertilizer, a light mix with lots of fine fir bark, and cool nights in the fall to initiate bloom. Snail-protection is key and some overhead protection from hail and cold rain is nice if you want absolute perfection. Most lack fragrance but a few have a nice mild green scent, and a few are very sweet-smelling.

Thanks, Jason!