Help! Broke my cymbidium’s back bulb!

[Jax79]

Hi all! I’m Jackie, and a noob here. I’ve had a large-ish cymbidium for over a year, and I accidentally broke one of it’s back bulbs while watering it. The plant only has two other visible back bulbs, so I’m very worried for it’s well being. Any advice on what to do would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[aliceinwl]

As long as that’s not its only bulb, I think it should be fine. They’re pretty tough plants.

[Subrosa]

Broke, or broke off? If you broke it off whole it's really no big deal, and could provide you with another plant. If it snapped off but the base is still attached, the broken part is compost. The remaining part could allow disease in, so you want it to callus over as quickly as possible. No water and if possible low humidity for a couple days should seal it, just watch for signs of rot during the drying and for a bit after. If it shows signs of rotting, cut it off at the base.

[Jax79]

Subrosa, I’m not entirely sure, and I’m scared to dig down to the roots to see what’s what. Attached is a picture of what I broke off, and what the plant looks like now (the white spot is where the bulb broke off). Thanks for any and all suggestions!

[Cym Ladye]

The plant should be ok but keep dry for a few days to harden off the break as was suggested. The BB itself you can set upright in a plastic bag with some orchid media, seal it and place in a bright but no direct sunny place. If you are lucky it may sprout a new growth from an eye near the base. It will be fun to try in any case.

I suspect your plant will need repotting this spring as the roots from the BB you broke off will start to rot as the season progresses. The Gold Coast branch of the CSA (Cymbidium Society of America) has an excellent free article on repotting if you send them a personal request. goldcoastcymgrowers@gmail.com