Is this a good mix?

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Hi
I just ordered my first cym, a large seedling, and would like to know if my media will suit the roots well. I purchased a bag of medium sized bark and coconut husk mixture, (50% each).
If this mix is okay, how long should I soak the mix. ( I have heared coconut huks needs a lot of pre soaking before use)

Thanks! Wish me luck!!

[orchids3]

I think the mix would be alright but how well it does depends on how you water and how much natural rain you get. Cymbidiums dont like to dry out completely like Cats but also dont like to be soggy either. If you think it would get soggy due to rain then add a cup per gallon of course pearlite. Oh yes good luck -cymbidiums are great!

[Don Perusse]

Remember that cyms are terrestrial. I would use 4 parts fine bark, l part coarse perlite, 1 part fine charcoal and a couple handfuls of cocohusk or spahnum. Of course, it's always good to experiment to some degree as what works for me may not suit you or your conditions.

[Des]

No matter which of the above mixes you use be sure to include some dolomite lime in the mix . a table spoon to a 8" pot will do

[Don Perusse]

Hey Des - Why the dolomite lime? I haven't heard of that one before. In my feeding program I do give Cal-Mag, and trace elements each month along with my regular feeding of 20-20-20.

[orchids3]

My mix is: 2 parts CHC, 2 parts Stallite gravel, 1/4 part dolomite lime, 1/4 part gypsun. I also add 1 part tree fern fiber and 1 part charcoal if I have it. The mix drains well in a sometimes very wet conditions but maintains moisture too. The Dolomite Lime and gypsun buffers the mix and keeps the pH up and also provides essential Calcium and Magnesium. This works for me in Florida but if I lived in California (and I have) would use less gravel and the mix would look more like the lady who initiated the thread because of the less rain fall. I believe my mix will also serve me well in semi hydroponic outdoor culture here in Florida - am new to that method of growing. A chemist friend of mine believes that plaster of Peris cast into thin sheets and crused into 3/8 inch chunks would be a better buffer and source of Calcium. Also other micro nurtrients could be added. I have yet to try it but the chemistry works.

[orchids3]

I do soak my CHC and drain the water unlil most of the color is soaked out. It gets rid of most of the salt which can cause trouble if you get a poor grade of CHC.

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Originally Posted by orchids3

I do soak my CHC and drain the water unlil most of the color is soaked out. It gets rid of most of the salt which can cause trouble if you get a poor grade of CHC.

Thanks for all the help!! I will see about adding some stuff for the mix!!

[Des]

Don , Orchids3 has has answered your question and then some, that is a very good cymbidium mix he has given there. Personally I think it will be good for most growing conditions.The secret to growing Cymbidiums successfully is to maintain the correct PH within the pot ( I prefer a PH of between 6 and 6.8) Both dolomite lime and gypsum have a PH of 7 so it is very effective in keeping the PH within tolerance. I have found that a low media Ph is one of the causes of leaf tip die back and a general unhealthy appearance of the plant , it will also kill the root system PDQ.

[Don Perusse]

Thanks Orchids3 & Des - looks like I may have to tweak my potting mix a little. Helpful information.