Grandma Ruth's ORchids

[christina waines]

I know there are others who grow cyms way better than I do but here's my observations and they are a bit fussy about watering in that it needs to be consistent. They do not like to dry out between waterings, they like to approach dryness ( as a fabulous grower once explained to me) . I suggest you use KLN or superthrive to help get the roots going. Orchid roots are amazing. they will look dead yet have new root tips starting seemingly from nowhere. If you've repotted into new media it will dry faster than old media. Coconut is great for cyms since it retains water longer. Cyms are more terrestrial and I know lots of people who use potting soil in the media mix, not real soil but the peat based potting mix. Hopefully some of this may be of use to you good luck

[Mama2Raven]

Thank you Christina. I am assuming that KLN is a rooting hormone? I have some of that (but a different brand) but I was afraid to put it on the roots. I thought it would damage them or burn them up.

It's helpful to know I can actually take steps and maybe see an improvement.

[christina waines]

KLN has rooting hormone in it plus other wonderful ingredients to help with stress. I wouldn't use your product unless it has B1 vitamin and I would dilute it to one quarter strength

[Mama2Raven]

Ok, Coconut Husk Chunks are in. I am going to repot in a mix w perlite. Any advice on proper potting technique for cyms???

[Becca]

Not a cym expert...but I was once told to cover one third of the bulbs....not sure if that was good advice or not. I would just make sure the roots are covered well. Anyone else have a recommendation on proper potting techniques for cyms?

[Mama2Raven]

NEW PICTURES. I finally got my camera working so here is what I am dealing with.

Be prepared. It's sad.

The first picture is the one doing the worst. It has only one very tiny root and is slowly dying. I'm re-potting tonight in coconut husk chunks so here's hoping.

The second picture is my biggest orchid and that is a downer. But as you can see, something is wrong. It has tiny black flecks of something near the base of the bulbs and I don't know how to get rid of it. It doesn't seem to be progressing but I wish I could make it happier. It will also be re-potted into coconut husk chunks tonight.

I have to resize the other pictures first but these are the first two.

[Becca]

Hey you have a new growth on the one you said is doing the worst...that is a good sign! The second one looks great! The black flecks are probably bacterial. Keep an eye on it and if it starts to spread then spray a Physan 20 mixture on it. The cyms I used to have had tons of black fleck spots on them and they seemed healthy otherwise. Keep up the good work!

[let_it_grow]

I have some similar black flecks on my Cyms and they are doing well. They have been growing nice pbulbs and the roots are good. I also agree with Becca that the new pbulbs are a good sign and they should be producing new roots to sustain it soon

[camille1585]

Me too, my cym has all sorts of flecks and spots that have been there forever, but seems fine. Just keep an eye on them, just in case. As for repotting, Cyms like to be tight in the pots, and the bulbs should be never buried, only have medium up to the base of the bulbs.

They look pretty good so far, so I don't think all hope is lost! Don't forget to soak and rinse the CHC several times before using. I soaked mine 3 days straight, changing the water twice a day. I didn't want to risk anything.

[Mama2Raven]

Oh WOW. thank you all so much. This gives me hope.

I am currently soaking my coconut chunks in water as we speak. Long work day yesterday so it didn't get done.

I think I have a handle on the course of action I need to take and results I expect to see. I'll post more pictures when the plants are doing better.

THANKS ALL!!