new bee - cymbidium splitting question

[mort]

when is the best time to split cymbidiums ? we have some that are 30-40 years old that i rember when i was a kid living at home with my folks

thanks Mort

[RosieC]

Hi Mort & welcome to Orchid Board

I've split your question into it's own thread here because I think more people will then see it.

I'm afraid I've not grown cymbidiums myself so I'm not sure the answer to your question.

[WhiteRabbit]

Before splitting them - you must take pictures! I am sure most of us would love to see pictures of plants that old/large
I think as with most orchids it's recommended to re-pot, and so, divide - or split - cyms when there is new growth starting - for cyms this is usually in spring after blooming. Tho if you have the room for such large plants there is no reason you 'must' divide them - I am sure they look fantastic

[Cym Ladye]

Mort,

To maintain a healthy Cymbidium, it is recommended it be repotted every 3-4 years. This is the amount of time in which it generally outgrows the pot and uses up the mix. (actually replaces it with roots as the mix in the pot breaks down).

It is not uncommon to find Cyms that are 30-40 years old but I suspect they have not been in the same pots and undivided that long. The only way I can imagine that might be feasible is if the roots have gone into the ground from the pots. However long they have been in the pots, and since they appear to you to be long overdue for attention, it is time to attack the project. It is getting a bit late in the season to do this as it is hoped that there will be several months of growing weather for the new plants to get established. If you are in a temperate part of the US, there may still be time if you get into them this weekend!

Good Luck,

CL

CL