Cyms keep rotting

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by cbuchman

Thanks Cym Layde! I'll give it a try. It could be the Fertilizer too as I've been using oscomote - no More!

Carrie,

Slow release Osmocote on the top of the media in the pot should not cause you any problems and I would definitely continue using it if that form of fertilizing works for you. I was referring to high levels of some formulas of water soluble fertilizers which stay in the crowns of the new growths when there is insufficient air movement, high humidity or watering too late in the day for the growths to dry out.

CL

[kindrag23]

OOOOhhhh this is a wonderful thread seeing as I have 2 new Cym's coming my direction in the very near future. Thanks!

Would the better gro special potting media work well for Cym. It specifically names them on the bag. It contains Fir bark, charcoal, and sponge rock.

[Cym Ladye]

It all depends on your weather. Most premixed orchid mixes are on the heavier side and I find are better suited for true terrestrial orchids. They also are more expensive.

You ideally should have a fairly fast draining mix as a combination of 80% fine/med fir bark or CHC (cocoa husk chip) and then mixed in 20% perlite. Any mix coming close to that for drainage, should be fine. I just do not know how heavy the Better Grow potting mix is. Often these commercial mixes use a fine, somewhat broken down fir bark along with the other ingredients.

CL

[kindrag23]

I have 90+ degree weather and bright sunny skies. Pretty dry heat

[WhiteRabbit]

I haven't used the Better Gro mix, but have used their medium bark chips. I would speculate that the mix would be decent.

Cyms aren't horribly fussy - media should drain well while retaining moisture; pot should also be well draining.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by kindrag23

I have 90+ degree weather and bright sunny skies. Pretty dry heat

That sounds like West Texas! You may do fine with the more moisture retentive mix but growing Cyms in that climate will be a real challenge for you! They may not be "fussy growers" but like most orchids, they want at least 50% humidity and temps in the 70F to 80F range during the growing season. They can tolerate low temps to freezing in the winter for short periods of time as well as temps over 90 F in the summer for short periods, but not as a regular routine.

Good luck,

CL

[kindrag23]

Well they are in shady area under my African Lavender and bleeding heart pots and I have water dishes all around them to help w the moisture

odd question how deeply do cym like to be planted? Like should they be potted along the lines of catts?

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by kindrag23

Well they are in shady area under my African Lavender and bleeding heart pots and I have water dishes all around them to help w the moisture.

odd question how deeply do cym like to be planted? Like should they be potted along the lines of catts?

This may or may not be adequate. Only time will tell.

There are different opinions on this but I pot mine with about 1/3 of the bulb in the mix. They will seek their own level as they grow new bulbs. By burying the bulbs that deeply, you keep them from "wiggling" and thus allow the roots to settle firmly into the new mix.

CL

[kindrag23]

Well I will be bringing all my phals in for the rest of the week this week due to our cool spell wearing off. So I will most likely set them out in the morning before I go to my morning classes and then trolly them back in to save them from the evening heat.

So you mean that the pot is only a 1/3 of the way full? Sorry just trying to make it all straight in my head. I have 4.5 inch terra cotta pots waiting for them. When they get here. I got coms. Of their shipping today!!!! I have also drilled MANY MANY holes in them to make sure they are nice and breezy.

---------- Post added at 05:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------

I also usually set out trays to keep it humid around them, as well as use the small terra cotta pots that I drilled at min of 12 holes in, will that help as well. I can't run the humidifier most of the time because it effects my breathing.