cymbidium fertilizing question

[sithwitch]

Yesterday I happened to go to a nursery to buy an Aerangis citrata, but I stumbled on a beautiful "mini" cymbidium 'Al' that was gloriously scented, so I had to buy it! (I have no picture of mine but there is a picture from the grower's site Sequoia Orchids providing Cymbidium orchids)

My problem is, it is still in flowers but there is 2 new psedobulbs growing and I keep reading that one should wait until the flowers were done before starting on the fertilizing regimen. Should I wait? And will MSU fertilizer do for a cymbidium? Or should I supply something higher in nitrogen to start with during spring?

Thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

I always try to not fertilize new blooming cyms - they frequently have fertilizer pellets in the media, and I don't know how old they are. Of course, I don't know if yours has fertilizer pellets in it - but it also doesn't hurt to not fertilize for a bit.
I would think MSU formula would be fine for cyms.

I only have a few cyms, but I know there are others here that grow many, and wait to see what they have to say. gl

[Bolero]

I fertilise all year round no matter what the plant is doing.

[sithwitch]

Thank you both! I'll flush the pot carefully and start as normal after. This is my first cymbidium (and probably the only unless I can find myself some ultra-minis) and I really want to take good care of it.
I went all out in a show in October and got so many new species I am making my head spin with all the care instructions. It's fun though

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by sithwitch

Thank you both! I'll flush the pot carefully and start as normal after. This is my first cymbidium (and probably the only unless I can find myself some ultra-minis) and I really want to take good care of it.
I went all out in a show in October and got so many new species I am making my head spin with all the care instructions. It's fun though

KEEP FERTILIZING! Even if there are pellets on the top of the mix, an additional, dilute, weakly/weekly water dissolved formula will not hurt a cym. Just do not over water! If you are using slow release pellets, use a balanced formula as directed starting now.

Many people make the mistake of not fertilizing when a Cymbidioum is in bloom, absolutely the wrong thing to do. this is the time the new bulbs are forming and sending up growths. They need all the energy they can get to get a head start on forming a big fat bulb which will then be able to send out a big fat spike.

The emerging spikes need their strength in June and July when they start to form with the change of fertilizer. All the flowers need is water as they open.

Good Luck,

CL