Old cymbidium bulb with new growth

[pjoeverett]

I transplanted and separated my old Cymbidiums late last summer and I tried my luck with a few old bulbs. I now have 2 new Cymbidiums starts about 8 inches tall growing from bulbs. The problem is that the old bulbs are looking worse each week and shriveling up. I don' t want to overwater so should I try to transplant and pull them away from bulb. I have no idea what kind of root structure is there. Right now the bulbs are not mushy but I worry that may be my next issue.

[Orchid Whisperer]

If they are not mushy or totally dry/dead, I would leave them alone for now.

Not sure where you are in the USA, but assuming it is not Maine or Alaska, spring is not too far away, and with it the opportunity to grow & strengthen the plant outdoors. The pseudobulb will hopefully carry the new growths into the outdoor growing season.

[pjoeverett]

Thanks so much! I live in Ohio and right now they are setting in a south window. So far our winter has been mild and I've needed to water but we know the worst of the weather is yet to come. I will follow your advice for now,until I see any changes.

[WhiteRabbit]

The old back bulbs are likely shriveling because the stored food is being used to support the new growth - which is to be expected. Do not be in a hurry to remove it! Unless it turns mushy, but that's probably not likely. Even after the new growth has roots - I'd just leave it until the new plant has plenty of growth and roots.

[pjoeverett]

It's settled . The old bulb will remain intact. I wish now that I would have put it in a clear pot but I never dreamed I would be so lucky. I also have 6 little P. cornu-cervi growing in individual pots. My nursery is growing

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by pjoeverett

It's settled . The old bulb will remain intact. I wish now that I would have put it in a clear pot but I never dreamed I would be so lucky. I also have 6 little P. cornu-cervi growing in individual pots. My nursery is growing

Well this happens Way to go on the old back bulbs.

[Cym Ladye]

I am assuming you have your BBs in mix in a pot? If the bulbs are shriveling, it means there are probably no roots yet on the new growths to take in nutrients and they are all being drawn from the BB. This is why I bag my BBs in mix in sealed Zip Lok bags to hold in the moisture to help in alleviating the dessication of the BB.

If you ever feel the BBs getting soft, not just dried, split them at the top to about 1" down. This allows them to breathe and not rot. This is not your problem at the moment, however.

You might try slipping your pot into a clear plastic bag, closing it and seeing if you can keep up the humidity and prevent more drying out of the BB.