This is a well-known and popular Cymbidium species for its spidery and striped flowers. It is known to require good-quality water, as otherwise leaf-tip spotting and dieback occurs. This seems to be a common trait shared with related species Iris-Like Cymbidium (Cymbidium iridioides) and Orchid (Cymbidium erythraeum).

Intriguing, converting this species from its natural diploid (2N) state to tetraploid (4N) has a significant effect on the shape of the flowers. The tepals are not as narrow and do not curve as much.

Additionally, the amount of red stripes and spots on the regular colour form is dependent on the growing conditions (particularly the level of light). Reduced light levels will result in reduced anthocyanin expression (i.e. less intense stripes and spots). Cooler temperatures may also increase anthocyanin expression.

Finally, tracyanum is one of the Cymbidium species that is not usually self-fertile. Many attempts at self-pollinating a clone of this species have failed; Andy Easton's selfing of the awarded clone is the only one I am aware of to be successful.

Andy Easton developed the available 4N strains from the FCC/RHS awarded plant and a jungle-sourced plant that he described as "quite greenish". The F1s were diploid and the two best were crossed, with the seedlings treated with colchicine. In the F2s, a number of tetraploid (4N) plants appeared, including some albas. Tracy's Cymbidium (Cymbidium tracyanum 'New Horizon Alba') is from the F3, seeking to improve the form further.

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