First Cymbidium

[Amanda L]

I bought this Cym today at the grocery store. I just couldn't help myself. They have never had anything other than the usual Phals and Dens for me to peruse. I got this one for $8.00. She was the only one with a tag, so I snatched her up! The tag reads [(Via Ireland 'Delightful' x (Pendragon x Cameliard) 'Yellow Sunset'] 'Shamrock', very diluted, but she is pretty. Her flowers are starting to turn brown and she needs to be repotted, any suggestion on that? I have on hand fur bark, CHC, perlite and charcoal. I have a clear pot big enough for her, I just don't know which mix to use . I am excited to get her potted up and settled in.

[RosieC]

Cyms are best repotted in spring, once there is active root growth.

They need a good well draining medium. I've heard Bark, Charcoal, perlite and peat. I actually bought a mix specially for Cyms which also has some sponge in it.

When you repot the recomendation is to remove the bottom 1/3 of the roots from the bottom of the pot. Just lop them off as far as I can tell. They can grow a LOT of roots in a year and I think the idea is to keep forcing new roots, but I'm not really sure. I cut about 1/3 off mine when I repotted in the summer and it's still alive... will be interesting to see the roots when I repot again and see how they fared.

Anyway, I think that's why you also repot in the spring when there is active growth, that way it will quickly replace the ones removed and/or the ones broken during the repot.

CymLadye is the best to advise on repotting. Hope I remember what she told me correctly.

[Cym Ladye]

Amanda, be sure to gently remove the old mix from around the remaining roots and possibly trim again so no roots touch the bottom of the new pot. Wait until the weather warms up a bit and you see new growth starting. Rosie could not have summarized it better!

On another note, many hobbyists refer to their babies as "him" or "her". Actually, they are both in their procreational abilities. The same plant can be a "mommy" carrying the pod, or the "daddy" providing the pollen. To further complicate the matter, the same flower can also be both!

Good luck with your new adventure into Cymbidium growing.

CL:

[rodrigo]

Originally Posted by Amanda L

she needs to be repotted

Hello Amanda
Your Cym looks lovely, congratulations on your acquisition, but from the 3rd photo, it does not seem it needs to be re-potted right away.
Enjoy!

Rodrigo

[Cym Ladye]

Amanda,

I agree with Rodrigo as far as the plant having plenty of room in the pot for another year of growth. But to be certain the roots are still in good shape, when the blooms are done and you cut the spike, gently invert the pot and remove the plant far enough so that you can see the condition of the roots. They should be greenish/white with white tips and very firm to the touch. If it appears seriously root-bound or the roots are soft to the touch, then you should plan to re-pot/clean up when the temps warm up.

CL