On the West Coast of the United States, and in other cool-summer areas that receive no severe frosts, cymbidiums are among the most popular of spring-flowering orchids and are often grown as garden plants. Their striking sprays of long-lasting blooms provide ideal home or patio decoration, and are often used as cut flowers. There are both standard (large-flowered) and miniature (smaller-flowered) types grown. The miniature types, often known as “novelties,” are more heat-tolerant, but neither type is particularly good in warm summer areas; nor are cymbidiums of any kind successful as houseplants. Cymbidiums are terrestrial plants in nature and require a moisture-retentive but well-drained mix. Fir bark is most commonly used, though more and more growers are switching to artificial or inorganic mixes as quality fir bark becomes less available.