This is a relatively recently classified species (2005). There is some debate over whether it is a natural hybrid (speciated or otherwise) or a true species. There is a clear relationship to
Low's Cymbidium (Cymbidium lowianum), while both and
Ivory-Colored Cymbidium (Cymbidium eburneum) have been postulated as possible ancestors.
A study in 2019 by Zheng et al demonstrated that it is a sister species to
Orchid (Cymbidium erythraeum var. flavum), which suggests that its origins are more complicated than a simple primary hybrid.
Additionally, there are differences to the man-made hybrids
Orchid (Cymbidium Lowio-Mastersii) (which has
lowianum and
mastersii as direct parents) and
Orchid (Cymbidium Veitchii [1889]) (which has
lowianum and
eburneum as direct parents; the natural hybrid is
Orchid (Cymbidium x veitchii)), so it is unlikely to be a simple answer.
It will typically first bloom on the second or third bulb with a reduced bud count. I have observed spikes to originate from the leaf axils and that a bulb can produce spikes at least twice (unlike some species, which will only flower once per bulb).
