Repotting Cycnodes - medium - Orchid Board

Miyuki · #1 03-27-2009, 11:06 AM

I've had a cycnodes for a couple of years, but last year wasn't great for it, so in following advice from old threads, I took it out of the pot when it went into dormancy, and it's been sitting bare-root with no water over the winter. I separated three bulbs, and two have spiked. Each spike is now about 2 1/2-3" tall and their roots are looking really healthy. I've been lightly misting the new roots periodically over the last couple of weeks. Time is coming to get these babies potted up. I'm looking for advice regarding the medium to use. I've been doing alot of research, and have found widely varying methods, so I'm hoping to hear from someone who is has some practical experience. I will be growing them indoors, with bright sunlight. My summer temperatures can get quite warm - at least 75deg, and I run a humidifier to suppliment to 50% as needed. I appreciate any suggestions.

tuvoc · #2 03-27-2009, 11:30 AM

I don't grow this particular cross, but I grow my Cycnoches in a fine seedling mix. I assume culture should be similar. Maybe an 'expert' can give you some more advice.

Kim

Nokomis.FL · #3 03-27-2009, 01:41 PM

It really is Alchemy and there is no end of opinion. I don't know the size of your bulbs or what size pots you'll be using, but I use a bark/sphagnum mix with time release granules. I vary the size of the bark depending on the size of the plant. Many people will also add some organic matter like compost or manure.

Here is on example of a Catasetinae mix: Cycnoches and Catasetum Orchid Care - Carter and Holmes Orchids Culture

nancy · #4 03-27-2009, 04:12 PM

My daughter is still laughing over calling 75F 'quite warm" - we put on our long sleeves in those temps.
Our conditions are wildly different, but I use a mix of 50% fresh horse manure, 25% coarse gravel, and 25% bark. Our humidity right now is 87%, temp 81F.
I suspect that any rich, fast draining mix will work - you really need to fertilize like crazy when these plants are growing, and make sure they don't stay with wet feet.
The cultivation booklet Your First Orchid that I got when I first joined AOS (back when I could afford it) says to *triple* the recommended amount of fertilizer when you mix it for these plants, i.e., a tablespoon/gallon if the package recommends a teaspoon. Whoa!
Still, when they are in growth, you can almost see them shooting up and out.
Carter & Holmes is in the Carolinas, I'd guess about zone 7, FWIW.
Good growing - Nancy

tuvoc · #5 03-27-2009, 04:51 PM

I have read about the manure thing before, but never had the guts to try it. Maybe that's why I never get more than two or three blooms. I'm going to give it a try this year. Thanks, Nancy.

Kim

Miyuki · #6 03-27-2009, 10:22 PM

Thanks so much. It was the manure thing that really had me shaking my head, but I think I will give it a try. As for my summer temps, now I can again tell my husband that we don't need air conditioning in my sunroom!

Our outside temps do get a little higher, but we get a nice breeze through all the windows. Still too hot for his liking though!