Nightmare of a cymbidium - Orchid Board

Irisha99 · #1 01-23-2018, 08:34 PM

Hi, guys. My husband bought 5 😱 cymbidium orchids at Trader Joe’s today. They are all gorgeous and blooming like crazy with gorgeous blooms in various colors. When I opened up the packaging, I was horrified as plant was covered in fungi. I was scared to look in the pot, it was potted in soil. Out came bugs and spiders as I was washing the roots. Surprisingly enough, roots look ok, actually they look great. What concerns me are the bulbs. They are yellowish, still feel firm, though. So my question is, taking into consideration the great condition of root system is this orchid salvageable or should we return the other 4?

rbarata · #2 01-23-2018, 08:42 PM

I think cymbs are the ugliest of all the orchids I know. Without a photo is difficult to say but, probably, that's normal (for a cymb).

Roberta · #3 01-23-2018, 08:58 PM

Hey, I LIKE Cymbidiums. And I think the pseudobulbs look fine. (I can see the photos) Good work getting the plant out of its pot! While theoretically they can grow in (really well drained) soil, for most people small bark is the medium of choice. The roots look OK. Not wonderful, but you got them out of the mess in time. And we're headed into their growing season, so they'll make more of both roots and p-bulbs. I do think you should complain to the store, since I suspect that the creatures were introduced after the plants left the grower's and some middleman type didn't manage them very well. You should go ahead and repot the rest of them. I don't think it will affect their blooming, but you certainly don't want the "wildlife" in your home or garden.

Irisha99 · #4 01-23-2018, 09:07 PM

Pictures I posted above. Can you see? Thanks

---------- Post added at 08:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:59 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roberta

Hey, I LIKE Cymbidiums. And I think the pseudobulbs look fine. (I can see the photos) Good work getting the plant out of its pot! While theoretically they can grow in (really well drained) soil, for most people small bark is the medium of choice. The roots look OK. Not wonderful, but you got them out of the mess in time. And we're headed into their growing season, so they'll make more of both roots and p-bulbs. I do think you should complain to the store, since I suspect that the creatures were introduced after the plants left the grower's and some middleman type didn't manage them very well. You should go ahead and repot the rest of them. I don't think it will affect their blooming, but you certainly don't want the "wildlife" in your home or garden.

Thank you, Roberta. When I said roots look wonderful, I meant compared to the rest of the plant lol because the mushrooms and the critters are horrible. I am going to have nightmares tonight. This is the worst plant I have dealt with. Will keep them since you are giving me positive forecasr with them. If the other ones have buggies too will take pictures. Maybe the store will refund for this ugly mess. Thanks again

Roberta · #5 01-23-2018, 09:13 PM

Irisha, where do you live? TJ's certainly should at least give you a partial refund for your trouble of rescuing their plants! Fortunately, Cyms are really tough, and should be fine with your care.

dounoharm · #6 01-23-2018, 09:35 PM

nothing wrong with those roots or psuedobulbs.....you got them in time, so just repot all with good drainage....they are beautiful!

Irisha99 · #7 01-23-2018, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dounoharm

nothing wrong with those roots or psuedobulbs.....you got them in time, so just repot all with good drainage....they are beautiful!

Thank you! I was just concerned about that yellowish tinge to the bulbs. Your reassurance is appreciated

rbarata · #8 01-24-2018, 05:57 AM

Now I can see the photmine.Thank you!
Your Cymbs look ok, much better than mine.
Change of medium is mandatory if you want to put your mind at rest about them.

Dollythehun · #9 01-24-2018, 07:34 AM

They are tough! Charlesf6 and I can testify to that. Follow Roberta's instructions. Lots of water, lots of food and sun. Summer outside, bring in right before a freeze. You'll be fine.

Paul · #10 01-24-2018, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Lots of water, lots of food and sun. Summer outside, bring in right before a freeze.

Just for clarification .... that advice is only for while in active summer growth. During their cooling period in the Fall and winter you won't follow that regime. Btw, over the summer, depending upon where you are, they can take ful direct sun. If the leaves develop a chartreuse color, you're in the upper range of their tolerance and that is fine as long as they stay well watered.