Repotting accident, the Cymbidium was spiking - Orchid Board

betwixtimes · #1 07-31-2008, 03:54 PM

Hi I'm new to the forum and Orchids.

I've tried twice before, but the conditions were never right.

So as an Easter gift, instead of chocolate bunnies I get a chocolate Cymbidium Orchid. I don't know the specific name, as it was a gift and not identified, I tried contacting the nursery, and no luck.

So after it finished blooming, my Fiance tells me it looks crowded, and I disagree, and then I look at it closer and notice the roots and so we decide in a few weeks we'll repot it. A few months go by, and finally I decided---it's time to repot it.

I get two smaller 6" pots since the Cymbidium has 6 bulbs showing in two clusters and I figure when I trim the roots I'll gently divide it, and sure enough it cleaned up great as two plants.

So as I'm trying to get one of the plants planted I notice it has what looks to be a spike. Couldn't see it from the 2 feet of foliage and how compact the little 6" pot was. I look at the other cluster 2 more spikes. I finished repoting the plant and watered it and put them back in the window they were before.

I don't mist them, I just leave about 1/2" of water in the dish and water them once a week or so. I've given them 1 dose of orchid food. The more I've ignored them the better they look. Long pale green leaves (about 1 1/2-2' tall.) They seem happy.

Today in looking at the plant the spikes have gotten a little taller.

I'm wondering will it bloom, or have I shocked the Cymbidium, do I need to baby it ?

Jorch · #2 07-31-2008, 03:59 PM

Can you post a

?
It's really the wrong time for cymbiums to spike in the US right now. What you think are "spikes" might actually be new growths, which is just as good

betwixtimes · #3 07-31-2008, 04:01 PM

Yes, tonight when I get home I will post a image, I figure it's a spike because it's brown (BUT NOT DEAD--honest), and the plant it pale green.

How exciting, I'll get some photos of 'the twins'.
THANKS for answering, I've been worrying for a few days now.

Swamper · #4 07-31-2008, 04:04 PM

Welcome onboard. I have a question..is it sitting in 1/2" of water or sitting on pebbles in a dish with half in of water. Good luck, can't wait to see your pics.

betwixtimes · #5 07-31-2008, 04:23 PM

The pot has pebbles in the bottom of it, for drainage. I add water to the saucer that the pot sits in, when it looks dry-ish but I know I need to wait longer to water it.

So I don't drown the poor thing.

I'm growing the orchid in my kitchen, which the temperature fluctuates. So, some days are hot and dry, like if I'm baking and those days I usually add some water to the saucer, but generally our apartment is pretty cool on average.

priz_m · #6 07-31-2008, 04:40 PM

Hello betwixtimes, welcome to the board!
Unfortunatelly I am no Cymbidium expert, but if the spikes have gotten taller, is usually a good sign, I hope it blooms for you, keep us posted!

betwixtimes · #7 07-31-2008, 08:38 PM

Ok, got home, grabbed the camera and *click click*

I think I might have made that WAY harder than it needed to be. Anyhow they are a lightish green (some of the photos were a wee bit close and got washed looking) There are strange brown spikey bits, that don't really look like new growth to me.

Please be nice, tis my first repotting, or even keeping an orchid alive past blooming.

I'm getting better.

Swamper · #8 08-01-2008, 02:07 AM

I think they look great except for the pseudobulbs. I can't tell from the pics but are they buried? If they aren't and Im not seeing them,then great job. If they are buried....I am 99% sure they are supposed to be above ground

Anyway check this article out.
Cymbidium Orchid Care - Carter and Holmes Orchids Culture

Ray · #9 08-01-2008, 07:58 AM

Dead on, Swamper. The plants are buried too deeply in the potting medium. Remember, they are pseudobulbs, not true bulbs as in daffodils. Left like that, you really increase the probability that any new growths will rot.

I suggest that you grasp the plants and pull them higher, then pat down the medium that pulled up with them.

JennS · #10 08-01-2008, 10:45 AM

Just curious, does everyone agree that is a cymbidium? I don't really know much about them but it looks like one that I have seen that was not tagged correctly, just marked Sinease or Sinese.... I really have no idea, just trying to further my knowledge.

I don't know about how they flower either, but I think that looks more like a new growth then a spike, but I really don't know. I would follow the others advice and bring the plant up a bit higher though so you don't rot any new growths. I have done this and it sure is sad! Good luck!