How to make Cymbidium bulbs to sprout

[Cym Ladye]

Although I did not specify a mix for the Zip Lok bags, like Bob, I have only used a pre-soaked bark/sponge rok mix for my mix of choice. However, I have known others to have success with small pre-soaked coco chips.

Several years ago, I picked up a tip from another hobbyist grower who, once the bulbs were placed with their labels in the bags, actually added water to cover the bark and soaked the bulb(s) overnight. He then thoroughly drained the bag and sealed it up. I have tried it with good success.

I think that the two most important factors which affect the sprouting of a BB are temperature and the time of year it is removed from the plant. The earlier in the growing year, the warmer the temperature, the better the chances.

CL

[rodrigo]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

I think that the two most important factors which affect the sprouting of a BB are temperature and the time of year it is removed from the plant. The earlier in the growing year, the warmer the temperature, the better the chances.
CL

Cym Ladye: Thank you for this valuable piece of information (makes lots of sense).

I have another point on this that is puzzling me.
I always clean the bulbs as much as I can. That is besides washing the bulbs, sealing the wound, etc. I also peel all the dead skin from the bulbs.

I feel this is good for 2 reasons:
1- I can clean the bulbs so much better because I don't have all this dead matter, dirt, etc. covering them.
2- I exposed to the light all the green areas of the bulb, which will get photosynthesis going to its maximum on the bulb.

My only concern with the above is the possibility I might be causing some harm to the "eyes" of the bulb and deter sprouting.
The natural way of peeling the dead skin is by starting to pull on the skin from the top down and then it detaches at the joints (eyes) of the bulb.

Can anybody provide a comment on this?

Thanks,

Rodrigo

[orchids3]

If I try to sprout BB's the results are something like a composite of the whole group. - Throw them on the compost heap and they sprout almost every time. Chuckle! Then wife pulls them out and complains about my carelessness.