Repot this Cymbidium?

[SleepSmiles]

I have a few Phal orchids and 2 other unknowns that are doing very well. I just received my first Cymbidium orchid and have not raised any yet. I was not sure if I should repot this orchid. What do you think? The place I got it said to leave it in this pot for a while but it is so ugly I would like to repot it into an actual orchid pot. Please advise and thanks in advance.

I keep my orchids in a south facing window with lots of light. Inside temps vary from 69-72.

[Bulbofett]

If it isn't currently in bloom I would repot it into a container of similar size. You don't really want to increase the size of the pot that much. I always do this with orchids I purchase just because I like to make 100% sure I know what kind of condition the roots are in.

[Cym Ladye]

This is not the time of year to repot cyms as they are slowing their growth for the winter, the cooler temps and shorter days. In or out of bloom, I would leave it alone until the weather warms up in the spring and all danger of frost is past. Repot it at that time and place it outside where it belongs. Meanwhile, learn everything you can about Cyms so you will be prepared when you repot your plant.

What do you mean by and "actual orchid pot"?

As far as pot size is concerned, with the newest mature bulb in the center or the pot, chose a pot to allow about 2" of space from the bulbs to the edge of the pot to allow for about 2+ years of growth. Where people get the notion that Cyms want to be repotted back into crowded pots, I will never know. Using just plain common sense, if it is crowded in the pot it is in, what is accomplished by putting it back in the same size pot? Hmmmm?

Cym Ladye

[Vanda lover]

I agree with cym ladye. It is even possible that this orchid could bloom yet this winter. Someone gave me a pathetic leftover from a plant sale last year and it bloomed beautifully during the winter.
If by orchid pot you mean the ones with holes, it isn't necessary for cyms. A good deep pot of the right size will be fine. they like to stay moist but not wet.

[Bulbofett]

This orchid doesn't look crowded at all, which is why I suggested a pot of similar size. I'm still new to orchids so I don't know the differences between potting now and potting later, but if someone would like to explain it to me that'd be great.

I've repotted in the winter before out of necessity and still gotten great looking blooms in the spring.

[Vanda lover]

Some orchids are more forgiving than others. Phals are usually pretty easy going when it comes to re potting. Re potting a plant when it is blooming season isn't usually a good idea. Waiting until spring when the blooms are finished is usually a better, unless it can't be avoided.

[Cym Ladye]

The best time to repot any orchid is when it begins its active growing season in the spring. Yes, Phals are more forgiving than most orchids, but the rest do best when they have the natural seasonal light and heat conditions to begin growth. All you have to do is look at Mother Nature. Cherry trees do not bloom in the fall or winter when it is cold and the days are short as a simple example!

When you learn more about Cymbidums, you will understand that most Cyms sold have been in the pots at least 2-3 years. The potting mix has or is in the process or breaking down and it is wise to repot into your own preferred mix so that you will have a uniform media for all your Cymbidiums.

This plant needs repotting into fresh mix and larger pot in the spring with the removal of the old roots from the leafless pseudo bulb and the shortening by 1/2 of the remainder of the roots prior to potting, to mention only two steps in the process. Otherwise there is no room for the new growth to mature and send down roots. A simple rule of thumb to follow is to look at any plant and if there is insufficient room for a new growth to mature, it is time to repot and move into a larger pot.

Cym Ladye

[Vanda lover]

Cym Ladye,
do you fertilize your cyms during the winter?

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

Cym Ladye,
do you fertilize your cyms during the winter?

Yes, Vanda Lover, I do fertilize at reduced strength every time I water, weather permitting, all year long. Keep in mind that Cyms are in a constant growth mode, just more rapidly during the warm months than in the cool ones.

I am fortunate in being able to grow outside all year and all but the show plants are exposed to the elements. If Mother Nature is providing the water, I will hold off watering/fertilizing the plants outside until we get a sunny, dry period. The plants under cover are fertilized at a reduced strength and at longer intervals but still with every watering.

CL

[Vanda lover]

I have also been fertilizing all year, but less in the winter. I put some slow release fertilizer on in the spring and I find it works well with cyms. I use regular orchid fertilizer the rest of the time.