New member hello and Cymbidium question

[TannD01]

Hello, I'm a new member to the orchid board. I have several Phals that are growing pretty good. About a month ago I obtained a Cymbidium back bulb and have read how to attempt to get new growths on them. The bulb still has green but minimal roots. I have it in a pot of orchid bark mix in a zip lock bag. Two weeks ago I began to see two small purple looking nodes have appeared, one on each side of the back bulb. They don't seem to be growing very fast. I have searched the internet and boards but I don't see anything showing a cymbidium at this stage. My questions is this: Is this the beginning of new growth? How long does it usually take to see new growth forming on a back bulb? Am I just being impatient?

[Island Girl]

Hello! And

I don't grow cymbidiums, but, I can say that yes, that is new growth that you are seeing. Good Job! Now, u just need to have patience! (the hardest part for all of us! Including me! )

Hopefully some experts on Cymbidiums will chime in soon!

I don't know if you've seen this site, but it's all about growing from backbulbs: Orchid backbulbs it's great to just explore it when u have the time! It's very informative

[kindrag23]

Welcome welcome. I actually have a Cymbidium on order to hopefully get here soon....

Good luck there is a lot of help on the threads when ever you ask a question.

Happy growing and keep up the great work!

Be aware that orchiditis is very real and dangerous...it creeps up on you and before you know it you have 20+ orchid in your house!

[LizB88]

Originally Posted by TannD01

They don't seem to be growing very fast. I have searched the internet and boards but I don't see anything showing a cymbidium at this stage. My questions is this: Is this the beginning of new growth? How long does it usually take to see new growth forming on a back bulb? Am I just being impatient?

and Welcome!
Yes you have new growth, congratulation!
Keep in mind that they grow very slowly, so don't worry to much if they take their time.

And like kindrag23, be ware of the orchid munchies!

[kindrag23]

@ LIZB88....ORCHID MUNCHIES! O dear what on earth is that?

[WhiteRabbit]

[TannD01]

Thanks everyone. I have little patience so I think this is God's way of strengthening what I have.

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by TannD01

Thanks everyone. I have little patience so I think this is God's way of strengthening what I have.

^ yep, I have thought the same! I hope to gain some patience thru orchids... one of these days... hopefully....

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by TannD01

Thanks everyone. I have little patience so I think this is God's way of strengthening what I have.

Welcome to the board, TannD01! The best remedy for impatience with slow orchid growth, is to acquire more plants! That way, you will be so distracted with the new plants that you'll forget about the bulb.

And then one day, you will come across the plant and those two little growths will have grown! You will be so amazed that you'll get back on this board, post a picture, get a lot of compliments from everyone, become a celebrity and be known as the "Orchid Whisperer" .

Receiving so many accolades will encourage you to go and seek more flowers. See how you become invested with orchid-its? I have had this experience, and there are many people--some of them posted on your thread--who can attest to this predilection! It's an orchid plant conspiracy!

[TannD01]

Unfortunately my Cymbidium didn't make it. It died no sooner than it started growing. I have had better luck with the Zygo bulb though and have a nice little 3 or 4 inch plant on the side of the original bulb! I seem to have been bitten by the Orchid bug and now have several. My Phals are doing great and I have one with three new spikes! I love plants and have numerous Iris and Daylilies. The Orchids help pass the time until I can be outside digging again!