Splitting cymbidiums

[Jinx]

I have 8 cyms that are in desperate need of repotting that are growing out of there 6 inch pots. the material they are in is almost like dirt from decomposting i guess. I was going to repot them into 8 inch pots. But i was wondering if i should split them first? Id rather just repot into bigger pots if that not a problem. So should i..

1. Just repot into bigger pots

2. Split and repot

[WhiteRabbit]

It's a personal preference thing. 6" isn't that big for a Cym (except for some of the small growing species or "tea cup" hybrids)- most of mine are in 2 and 3 gallon pots - but I like them on the bigger side - some people prefer just big enough to bloom.

If you were to divide - you need to make sure that all divisions consist of AT LEAST 3 older growths plus at least one new growth.


Best time for repotting and dividing is spring when there is new growth.

Cyms also get masses of very long roots - so maybe look into deeper pots - 1 or 2 gallons, depending on the size of your plant (or plants, should you decide to divide)

[Jinx]

Thanks Sonya! I went ahead and just repotted 3 of them in 8 inch pots that are really tall. I would say they are 1 gallon. I really didnt want to divide them because i dont know what im doing hehe.

[Cym Ladye]

Jinx.

You have already "drop potted" but I hope you loosened the roots first and removed some of the old mix and soft roots before putting them in the new pots. If the mix they were in is "like dirt" as you say, you may have continuing problems. When you carry the old mix, which has broken down, into the center of the pot where it will hold water longer, the roots will rot out sooner from the middle of the pot. This is one of the reasons many plants have lots of back bulbs (bulbs without leaves) in the center.

If you would like a complete guide to repotting Cyms, please send me a personal message with an address to which I can send you the repotting Guide we use for our California club's annual Hands On Potting Workshop. Many of the OB members to whom I have send it have found it very useful.



Cym Ladye

[Jinx]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

Jinx.

You have already "drop potted" but I hope you loosened the roots first and removed some of the old mix and soft roots before putting them in the new pots. If the mix they were in is "like dirt" as you say, you may have continuing problems. When you carry the old mix, which has broken down, into the center of the pot where it will hold water longer, the roots will rot out sooner from the middle of the pot. This is one of the reasons many plants have lots of back bulbs (bulbs without leaves) in the center.

If you would like a complete guide to repotting Cyms, please send me a personal message with an address to which I can send you the repotting Guide we use for our California club's annual Hands On Potting Workshop. Many of the OB members to whom I have send it have found it very useful.



Cym Ladye

Thanks Cym Ladye

I removed as much of the "dirt" they were in as possible and repotted them into bigger pot with new orchid mix i made up.

[Cym Ladye]

Just curious, what did you put in the mix you made up?