Cymbidiums rescue - Orchid Board

dimithar · #1 10-16-2013, 03:48 PM

Hi guys! I'm in need of assistance again

I got these Cymbs today from a friend who doesn't want to care for them any more. Three large plants and a baby, as you can see on the photos. Two of the large plants seem pretty healthy, the third is turning black (eek!) in places and I'm very worried about it. I haven't cared for Cymbidiums yet. So, should I re-pot them? I think I want to use a mix of ordinary potting soil and fine bark to get more air (I can't even tell what these *were* in). Sorry for the bad photos, but I wanted some help on the blackening ASAP. What should I do with that one?

WhiteRabbit · #2 10-16-2013, 09:22 PM

I'd not recommend potting soil - I use a mix of fine and medium fir bark, perlite, throw in some styro pnuts; or coconut husk chips mix.
They aren't horribly fussy, and sometimes people do grow them in regular potting mix, but I imagine they do better in much better draining media.

kindrag23 · #3 10-16-2013, 11:27 PM

Good luck 2 you. I am of no help but would love to see your progress and success!!

dimithar · #4 10-17-2013, 08:57 AM

I decided to quarantine the new growths of the blackening plant before they've been all but destroyed. Unfortunately one of them broke off badly (see [bad] photo). Is there a point to planting it with the others? I think these may be too young for potting, but I wanted to get them away from what I presumed was a virus. Did I plant them too deeply? I don't see how else they would stay upright

The other plants are now cleaned up and looking pretty healthy, so I'm hopeful they will survive.

Cym Ladye · #5 10-17-2013, 01:56 PM

1) Absolutely repot! Meanwhile, while you are getting your materials together, wash all the mix off the roots and remove or shorten any roots which are soft or rotten. Allow to dry 24 hours before placing in a zip lok bag with a little moisture.
2) Do not use potting soil as it is too heavy.
3) Use a mix of 80% fine and medium (50%/50%) fir bark or coco husk chips and 20% large perlite.
4) If you are really serious about learning how to properly repot Cyms, privately send me a contact email where I can send you the repotting instructions which I wrote and were published in the CSA Journal several years ago. it is also the procedure we use for the annual Hands on Workshop for the Gold Coast Cymbidium Growers, a branch of the CSA, in San Mateo California. It answers virtually all the questions which arise in repotting a Cymbidium. I have sent this to many members on this Forum.

Cym Ladye