Cym question

[rcb]

I've never grown Cyms, so don't know too much about them. I was recently given a couple backbulbs, and they have decided to grow. YEAH So my question is, when should I pot them up? They are just sitting loose on a bench right now. They don't have any roots, so should I wait for the start of root growth, or pot them now?

I'm planning on using seedling bark and or Coconut husk chips - is this ok?

[trinigirl]

Congrats on the backbulbs growth!

I don't have any cyms now. I grew a collection of them about 20 years ago, and miss them. I hope you can grow and bloom them in FL. I am sure you will get lots of tips from all the great cym growers here.

[rcb]

Sarah, yeah I'm excited about this. Also, I'm in northern FL so it does get cold here, so hoping it shouldn't be a problem. In fact, spent some time yesterday trying to figure out where I'm going to put all the plants once it gets cold.

[Stelios]

congrats on getting your pseudobulbs to grow. I use medium bark chips and indoor potting medium (rich in peat moss) at a rattio 2:1 for my cym pseudobulbs. So far it works. They are supposed to bloom after 2-3 years.

I find Cyms the easiest orchids to grow from what i have been growing these few years. They are very hardy, they like being moist (but not soaking wet) and don't get burnt as easy as other orchids from sun. Although you should avoid direct sun they like strong light.

[solay]

Renee, either of those will work fine. I use mostly bark, coconut husk, or shredded bark for my Cyms. I usually just plant the backbulbs in the medium buried about 1/3 way in. I don't even bother waiting for new growth. I let it all happen in the pot. I know some people do as you and wait for new growth and roots to prevent chance of rot.

Congrats on the new growths.

[kmarch]

I'd think you could pot them up now. I think your mix sounds good. Some folks say one should wait until root growth starts to pot or repot but I like to do it before the root growth starts to avoid damage to the new roots.

[Stelios]

i'm with Kevin, i just let them dry for a day and then i pot them.

[patticake]

I have 2 back bulbs that Cindy sent me last year. I potted them up in a bark/charcoal mix. They have had the summer outside in the shade, and are now experiencing cool nights. (40's and 50's)F- It's fun to try and grow chids that we aren't used to, isn't it?

[rcb]

Originally Posted by patticake

I have 2 back bulbs that Cindy sent me last year. I potted them up in a bark/charcoal mix. They have had the summer outside in the shade, and are now experiencing cool nights. (40's and 50's)F- It's fun to try and grow chids that we aren't used to, isn't it?

Patti yes it is. Don't know why I haven't done cyms before, I've always admired them. I've also recently branched out into Bulbos as well, so I'll be watching two new kinds at the same time. Lots of fun!

Our nights are still warm 75F or so, but it won't be too long before it starts cooling off. In reality it will be sooner than I am ready for. lol

[rcb]

Well, I did pot them up, and I noticed that one of the little nubs has just the beginning of a root starting! so hopefully they will grow and thrive. I know they are off season, so can I still let them outside when it gets colder, will they still grow ok if the nights are in the 40s (F) and days 60s? Or should I put them in a warmer spot to grow?

[lmartiny]

I understand they like some chilly weather.