HELP!

[katierkincaid]

Help my cymbidium is turning into some strange plant, pictures below, the psudeo bulbs are still hard, this is under a plant light in my kitchen.

[kiki-do]

I don't grow these, but I'm bumping this up to the top for others to see. Good luck!

[Blondie]

Yikes! I don't grow those either, but I'm quite suspicious of the roots. Have you pulled it out and looked in there?

[katierkincaid]

I took the roots out to change pots because it was some crappy pot it was in. I cut off the dead roots ( i am supposed to do this right?) and changed the medium out and got it a new pot. I fertilized it last night thinking maybe its just hungry? I did not cut open the psuedo's should i?

[Blondie]

Yes, cut off dead roots. NO--don't cut open bulbs! Hmmm...we need to get someone who grows these in here. Hang on!

[Blondie]

I asked people from the Cym alliance to come in here, so hopefully they will come in soon.

In the meantime, I read this post in there. It might be overwatering and too much light... Here's a link:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ng-yellow.html

[cowboy51278]

I don't know much about them, I only have two. It almost looks fungal to me. You did the right thing by trimming back the dead roots but I would lay off the fertilizer for now. The salts can stunt the new root growth. What kind of medium did you put it in? and how frequently do you water. one more, what type of light?

[Des]

OOOH ..... Thats too much light and most probably too much heat Cymbids are cool growing Is it too cold to grow it outdoors in your part of the world ? Cymbids also need lots of air movement and the root system must never be allowed to dry out . I would also suggest you grow it in S/H as they thrive when on this system Looks like it could also be too much uv what sort of light do you have it under?

[katierkincaid]

I have it under a sunshine bulb t8 in like a florecent fixture in the ceiling. I water it once a week, I've only had it for 2 weeks. It looked like this when I got it. What is the S/H system? I put orchid mix made by Shculz in it with charcol and bark in it. The new pot its in has holes in it, its a ceremic pot that I got specaily made for orchids, its pretty large. Do all orchids need pots where the roots can grow out? If not, is this the type of orchid that needs root breathing room, haha, its like a man, just kidding. I live in Alabama and its HOT here so I have the plant in my kitchen, I usually keep it about 69-70 deg in there and its on the island so it gets some air movement from both sides. Should I put a small fan on it?

I really aperciate all of your help!!!!! The speedy response and dedication you folks have made to orchids and their friends is awesome!

[orchids3]

I have more questions than answers. I grow in Jacksonville Fl which should be very similar to your growing conditions. Somewhere between 2000 and 2500 cymbidiums - I havnt counted lately. Cymbidiums should be grown outside if at all possible. Mine are outside all year and have been for the past five years. Go to Casa de las Orquideas Online and read what he has to say about growing outside. He does good work so will not duplicated. What media did you plant in? Where was the plant before it came to you? Was it grown on the ground? Cymbidiums (and most orchids) should be high enough off the ground so that water splash from soil does not get on the plant 18 inches is a rule of thumb. If not there are a number of soil born diseases that can infect the plant from the soil. Fusarian wilt and Virus comes to mind. The unfortunate thing is that it is usually with the plant until it dies. Plants do not have imune systems. Prevention is the best route. If the plant was potted in spagnum when you got it - the roots were probably in terrible shape. I personally do not like SH for cymbidiums but have seen a few grown well that way. Compared with the same clone the SH plant didnt look as nice as my own method 50% Coconut Chips with 50% Pearlite. The yellowing you see in the bulbs may only indicate that it was in a very sunny location at its previous home. I would keep the plant away from others until it begins to look better. There are cymbidiums that look scruffy no mater how healthy they are. It would be nice to compare it to one with the same name. I dont like the looks of your plant - if it were mine I would add it to the compost heap and get another one.