New Cym with shriveled psb's!!! Help?? - Orchid Board

Gage · #1 03-21-2012, 10:49 PM

I noticed this bloomless Cymbidium at Publix a few weeks ago, but didn't get it because there wasn't anybody there that could help us (give us a bargain)

. But tonight a nice young lady said we could take it for 5 bucks! This is my first Cym, and I know next to nothing about them. I have heard they like bright light and even moisture without having their feet wet. The medium was bone dry, and as you can see, the pseudobulbs are desiccated. I watered it thoroughly and then gave it some seaweed and superthrive. To give an idea on size, it's about 18 inches tall and in a 6" pot I think. Should I pull it out and check the roots? Ok that's a dumb question. The truth is I don't have time to get into a whole repotting project tonight, but I will pull it out and check the roots asap. I know it has new growths, but considering how long it has probably been sitting in relative darkness and drought, those growths may have been on hold for months. Anyway, all you wonderful Cym growers out there please offer your best advice. Thanks in advance!!!

WhiteRabbit · #2 03-22-2012, 03:55 AM

I'd just give it proper care, and it will most likely rebound, tho I wouldn't expect the shriveled pbulbs to plump up. You can water more than 'lightly', especially if the media was bone dry. Cyms do like to be moist, just don't leave them standing in water.

I'd ease it into brighter light a bit at a time.

I'd repot, tho I don't think you should stress if you can't get to it right this instant

If you can't get to it for a while, add some media to the top there. Roots should be covered.

Gage · #3 03-22-2012, 08:18 AM

Thanks, WhiteRabbit! I feel a little better.

WhiteRabbit · #4 03-22-2012, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gage

Thanks, WhiteRabbit! I feel a little better.

Other than the shriveled pbulbs, it doesn't look too bad. Cyms are usually pretty tough, and can take some abuse. (Tho if in very poor shape might be awhile before they're up to blooming again).

silken · #5 03-22-2012, 04:43 PM

I think it looks really green and alive. Yes, the PB's are shriveled, so I would give it a good drink, cover the roots a bit and let it get hydrated for a while before re-potting. Mine thrive on my neglect. which I am not proud of but it seems to be what they like. they go outside in good light in the summer. They seem to be heavy feeders compared to some orchids. they get rained on and I water when they are dry and when it is close to frost they come into a cool greenhouse for the winter. Enjoy your new Cym.

Gage · #6 03-22-2012, 05:07 PM

Thank you, Silken! I will make a point to neglect it a bit. Do Cymbidiums have any specific vulnerabilities?

silken · #7 03-22-2012, 05:50 PM

Mine got spider mites once and I don't know where from. also if they don't get enough sunlight their leaves get long and lank and darker green than they should be. That's all I can think of and the standard size need a good chilling in the fall to harden off pseudo bulbs and initiate blooms.

Bud · #8 03-22-2012, 06:30 PM

The leaves are green and the roots are big ...the shrivelling of the bulbs is an indication that it lived on its storage in the bulbs...so all you need is feed and let it drink...
you had very good advice from the girls
its going to be in the warmer months now...so you may want to put it outdoors for bright shaded sun...dont forget to follow Sonya's advice...repot and cover those roots.

Gage · #9 03-22-2012, 09:21 PM

Thanks Bud.

Cym Ladye · #10 03-23-2012, 01:35 PM

Shrunken bulbs are a definite indication of insufficient water getting to them and a plant in stress. This can happen in one of two ways: lack of water to the plant or too much water to the plant causing the roots to rot. Although the top roots look plump and firm in the photos, I suspect the majority of them in the pot have rotten from too much water, as these commercial box stores tend to overwater.

Gently pull the plant from the pot and see if the exposed roots are firm and show green growing tips. If not, you need to go through a full root trimming, cleaning and re-potting process.

Let us know what you find and I will guide further. In any case, I always recommend re-potting newly acquired plants into a fresh mix and spring is the best time to do so.

Good Luck,

CL