Q: Can I grow cymbidium orchids along the coast in Southern California? A: Yes. The Southern California coast is one of the only places in the United States where cymbidiums grow year round outdoors in bright (indirect) sunlight. Q: What type of lighting does my phalaenopsis require? A: Phalaenopsis do best indoors in low, indirect light. Q: How long do the flowers last on a cymbidium plant? A: Flowers on standard cymbidium plants last between 4-8 weeks. Some have been known to last longer.