Rescue orchid- is it a cymbidium?

[plantluvver]

A cymbidium is my best guess, which is why I bought it. I wanted to try one, having just bought the book "The Genus Cymbidium" by David Du Puy and Phillip Cribb. (The book was a mistake, I somehow confused Cymbidium with Oncidium.)

Here are pics. I also have some concerns with the plant. Should I list them here, or save it for a different thread, under another section?

[plantluvver]

Since it was still attached, I thought I may as well snap some photos.

Oh, I forgot to mention, the orchid is in a one gallon pot.

[Paul Mc]

The growth pattern (leaves, base, etc...) remind me more of a cymbidium to be honest.

[dounoharm]

indeed you have a cymbidium there....

[glengary54]

Plantluvver - Ask away, that's what we are here for.

[plantluvver]

First of all, I thought this was a healthy plant because of the new dark green shoot (I am sure there is a more precise technical term for this.) Also, although where were some discolorations, I squeezed the discolored areas, and everything seemed very firm. I would like to know whether I picked a good plant, or do I need to learn more of what to look for in an orchid. (She was reduced to $5 from $30)

I could have gotten a 2# plant for less money, but my growing area is limited. I made the assumption that a plant sold in flower in a one gallon pot will be more likely to stay smaller than a plant sold in flower in a 2 gallon pot. Is this a fair assumption to make when comparing Noids?

There is one area of the plant that I am very concerned about. the base of the psuedobulb (hope I am using the term correctly here) Is a dark olive green. I think it may be just an area where the papery skin was pulled away, but it is not a pretty color. The pot is a bit distorted, and I think the plant may need repotting. I could not slip the plant out of the pot easily, and decided to wait until I am ready to repot.

[glengary54]

Plantluvver - If you were looking for a plant that was going to stay small, you made a big mistake with buying a Cymbidium, they can get very big. For $5.00 you got a beautiful plant. The discolored area of the bulb you are concerned about concerns me also. Is ti soft or mushy to the touch. If so remove the entire bulb, if not just keep an eye on it. Cymbidiums have a massive root system that will fill and sometimes rupture it's pot. I repot mine every year and every couple of years devide them and remove the old dead back bulbs.

[plantluvver]

I have only one southern window, and that is above my kitchen sink. So the Cymbidium better be happy wintering in a lower light area.I am thinking of going back and picking up a second one. I have a few months to decide where I will put it over the winter. lol!

[cricketerry]

Cymbidiums are one of the most temperature tolerant orchids you will find. They do not mind temps almost down to freezing provided they are not in spike (ie no flower stem) so can live outside for many months of the year.

They do like a lot of light but can still burn in hot summer sun. I do not repot mine each year prefering to do this every 2-3 years. Water well in summer and make sure the pot can drain well.

These usually start to set flower spikes between now and Christmas and flower in general from Oct to May.

[plantluvver]

Since this Cymbidium is pressing against the sided of the pot, and is too tight for me to get a look at its root system, should I repot it now?