First Cymbidium

[electric.chowder]

I just got my first Cymbidium, it's a Milton Carpener 'Everglades Gold' and I have no idea how to keep it, or what to repot it in. I checked out the aos guide but any imput is greatly appreciated


-Chowder

[mayres]

You don't want to repot it this time of year. Wait until this spring after it is done blooming. Like most orchids you will gets lots of differing suggestions on media. Around here people tend to use 1/2 regular (houseplant type) potting mix and 1/2 fine fir bark (orchid type). They typically grow lots and lots of roots - so are potted in deep pots.

[PhalPal]

Congratulations on your first cym!! I find them to be very tolerant and do well in temps from 35-100 degrees F with low humidity. I keep mine under a shady tree in summer and exposed on my patio in winter; you will probably need to bring yours inside for part of the winter. They are in deep pots and I soak them with the hose when they are beginning to get dry. I have them potted in a mix that seems to have a little bit of everything, mostly coco husks. They like lots of fertilizer so they get osmokote slow release plus worm tea occassionally. Protect them from frost and they'll do great!!!

[kmarch]

Don't repot now, leave it outside as long as it doesn't freeze. Cymbids can tolerate winter temps in the 5C range. Autumn and winter is the spiking and blooming season but the cold is necessary for spiking. Repot in the spring after the blooms have faded or when you see new growth.

[Tess1]

Don't put potting mix in the bark, they need a lot of air around the roots. Coco husks are ok, but I have all mine in bark, NOTHING else mixed in. Large cymbids need a coarse bark, the smaller types need a somewhat finer bark. I have been growing cymbids for 30 years and they are doing well in bark.

[mayres]

Like I said, LOT of ideas on media Probably more to come too! Mine are still outside and have had frost on them 3-4 times already with NO damage. They can definately take a "little" frost - probably don't want to push it though?!

[PhalPal]

I took a field trip to the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate yesterday. They grow thousands and thousands of Cyms, so I figured they must have it all figured out. I bought a big bag of the mix they use, medium compressed coco husks and large perlite. That's it. Since cyms are large plants in large pots this is very economical as well.