what is an ideal cymbidium potting media?

[ajdamania2]

Hi all,
I bought 2 big cymbidiums about weeks ago and i thought repotting would be a good idea.unlike other orchids i have , i used plenty of orchid compost with some bark. but potting media almost never get dry(looked stale) if even after my 10 day holiday. got some yellow leaves.today, removed some of the compost and added some bark and perlite.still looks more like soil rather than course bark.draining the water takes about 30 mins.what is the best potting media.

Many thanks

[WhiteRabbit]

Hi!
I know there will be several suggestions for the 'best' media, I can only say what I use, and that it works well for me

equal parts medium and fine grades fir bark with a fair amount of perlite and/or pumice, a bit of charcoal, and some styro packing pnuts - how often to water depends on time of year and climate. Right now with cool damp weather (my cyms are outdoors) I hardly ever water them. In summer I water 1 - 3xs a week. Cyms should not dry out.

[ajdamania2]

[QUOTE=WhiteRabbit;288774]Hi!
I know there will be several suggestions for the 'best' media, I can only say what I use, and that it works well for me

equal parts medium and fine grades fir bark with a fair amount of perlite and/or pumice, a bit of charcoal, and some styro packing pnuts - how often to water depends on time of year and climate. Right now with cool damp weather (my cyms are outdoors) I hardly ever water them. In summer I water 1 - 3xs a week. Cyms should not dry out.[/QUOT

I live in London and keep some of my cyms in the kitchen.night time can be cold. but i will try to get charcoal.many thanks

[Bolero]

Medium size of either bark or CHC - mix either of this with perlite and charcoal. They will grow beautifully.

[Ray]

1) There is no "best" medium. You need to consider the needs of the plant, and how well you can provide that in your environment and under your watering habits.

2) You might consider semi-hydroponics (Cymbidium Nut 'First Rays Red' in an 8" pot):

[RosieC]

Wow, that Cym is even bigger than the one I bought in December.

I'm also interested in what I should repot mine in. I'm thinking of trying SH with some Phals but I don't think I'm ready to try it with the Cym.

I have small bark, medium CHC and perlite so it sounds like those will be useful. No charcole though... is that necessary and if so do you use just standard charcole sold for fires (of course not the stuff with firelighter already in).

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Wow, that Cym is even bigger than the one I bought in December.

I'm also interested in what I should repot mine in. I'm thinking of trying SH with some Phals but I don't think I'm ready to try it with the Cym.

I have small bark, medium CHC and perlite so it sounds like those will be useful. No charcole though... is that necessary and if so do you use just standard charcole sold for fires (of course not the stuff with firelighter already in).

Rosie - horticultural charcoal, tho I wouldn't think it's necessary. For a couple of years I never used any. I just have it so I use it lol. I think you should be fine without.

[RosieC]

Thanks Wrabbit. I've never come accros horticultural charcole. Unless I come accross it I guess I will just use the bark, CHC and perlite.

I have another question. Is there a best time of year to repot Cyms?