a couple of cym' questions

[PJG]

Thanks for the info.

I've decided the "fruits" (intended) of my labour will be to just go and get the 13-13-13.

It's easier to follow people who know what they're talking about than me, well wasting time trying to figure out "stuff".

But as you said, chemicals are chemicals.

When I do it, I'll update.

[Cym Ladye]

PJG,

I love your inquiring mind and enthusiasm. Do not ever lose it when it comes to growing orchids!

However, I cannot stress enough getting involved with other like-minded orchid hobbyists in your area through the orchid clubs. They can answer "hands on" soooo many of your questions and lead you in the right direction for growing in the San Diego area.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. Who knows, maybe we will see you at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show in the spring some time soon.

CL

[PJG]

OK, I did it.
I went to a nursery and bought a mix. Ingrediants 35-40%Fir, (softwood Bark, Lava Rock, Redwood Compost & Sand.
Next,
I now have 6 cyms instead of 3. It could have been 7 but I cut the roots and placed it in a bigger pot. I could go back and separate it?

I took some photo's of the first one. Then my battery gave up. Probably a good thing, dirty hands and camera's not a good mix.

But I did them all the same.

I had a moist mix in a bucket, I removed cym (notice hammer), split (notice knife), cut (knife) and filled each one. Except for one.

I will wait for a while before watering, 1,2 weeks?

I didn't have to let the cym's dry out because the roots and media were dry.
Probably from roots, YES?

Thanks for your help, Oh, for the brown tipped ones now, should I cut them for looks, same with a couple of leaves, changing color, cut them off, or wait for shock and see what happens?

Folks, I'll keep you informed as to how well you told me what to do and how I did.

[PJG]

As for the fertilizer, I finished up with a 20-20-20.

The lady said, (after I showed her I wanted 13-13-13), just don't add as much. As long as there equal I'll be OK. If not bring it back and I'll get a refund.

Now, with all in the new media, should I be OK. Or give a little fert' in a few days?
Trying cover all the bases here.

Thanks.
Peter

[JW2250]

PJG, here is an opinion worth thinking about -"On the topic of balanced fertilizers, the idea that the N:P:K requirements of an orchid are coincidentally identical to a 1:1:1 ratio of the ppms of nitrogen in its elemental form and phosphorous and potassium in their oxidised forms (the traditional definition of a balanced fertilizer) seems like utter nonsense to me.",
and a forum on fertilizer usage worth reading about -

"Post subject: A preamble to our examination of Cymbidium nutrition." @ Forum - New Horizon Orchids - Andy Easton

[Cym Ladye]

JW2250,

When I suggested a balanced, slow release fertilizer for PJG, I did it for pure simplicity to a novice grower on the basis that "it is better to fertilize with something rather than nothing"....basic "Fertilizer class 101". Something he could obtain locally and quickly and apply easily. We know that there are far more complicated aspects of the NPK ratio as it relates to orchid requirements. There are several threads on this forum as well as other forums pertaining to fertilizers, and MANY different opinions. Perhaps that is why there are so many different formulas on the market!

PJG - In my opinion, a balanced 20-20-20 is also OK for your use at this point but if you wish to learn more of not only the NPK needs but the micro-nutrient needs of orchids, by all means, go for it! If you are into scientific explanations, it may be meaningful.

CL

[PJG]

CL,
I can drive a car (very well) but I wouldn't know how to build one. I'd leave that up to the experts.

OK, Simple is me. 20-20-20 will work just fine. TY.

NOW,
How did I do on my cutting/re-potting?

Not much can be done anyway, since I've already cut, but do you have any "simple" suggestions.

Thank you,
Peter

[JW2250]

but do you have any "simple" suggestions. - PJG

Yes, leave healthy roots alone, what have they done to be cut to the bone?

I'll give you a tip CL, debate the issue and not the issuer; I did not personalize you in my previous post nor did I intend to. It has nothing to do with me if you have a personal dislike of Andy Easton or his site.

Btw, let's start with the fact that the last thing a plant with severly damaged roots needs is nitrogen.

[PJG]

Hey folks,
Thanks for all your thoughts. I appreciate them all. TY.

I'll let you know if I've done the wrong thing or not.

But at this time, they have been separated, they have been cut, they were re-potted in a moist mix, and now I'm going to let them dry, hoping for new roots, stronger plants in the future.

I will use the fertilizer in the future. But will wait for roots to go searching.

Maybe I have this all wrong. Then it's my fault. OK.

Lots of suggestions to my questions. What more could I ask for. TY.

I will keep you updated, then you can say, "look at Peters thread, he did it all wrong, now do it this way" Maybe I can be a training tool for the unknowns.

In the end, my questions, everyones suggestions, my decision.
Happy growing.

Peter

[pedidiva]

Peter~~~~

I would like an update on your cyms. Are they OK? I am trying some & I thought that your thread was a good one.

Hope all is well.

Pedi