Repot and fertilize when in bloom?

[jennster]

I'm the proud new owner of a cymbi. I'm not at home so I can't tell you it's name. I got it from TJS and it is a lovely greenish yellow. The media appears to be plain potting soil of some type. I know this is a huge nono but since it is in bloom I don't want to disturb the flowers. The same goes for fertilizing. My understanding is that they are heavy feeders. Should I feed while in bloom. Thanks for any help.

[Cym Ladye]

My favorite reply to this question is, "Would you not consider eating if you were pregnant"? ABSOLUTELY continue feeding a Cym. when the plant is in bloom as you will find the young bulbs are growing for next year's bloom.

There are many options on what fertilizer to use. Browse the links on this section of the OB to see what others use and how to apply it.

Good luck with your new plant.

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes on fertilizer; Wait until after blooming to repot. The potting mix is likely some peat-based orchid mix - Cyms are semi-terrestrial (tho some species may grow as epiphytes), and not usually very fussy about potting mix. So long as the pot drains well, and isn't left sitting in water, it should be fine. Some people actually grow Cyms in the ground, tho I wouldn't actually recommend it. After blooming, when there is new growth, repot into fir bark mix, or other orchid potting media.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Good luck and maybe when you get home you could share a picture of it.