Cymbidium and Oncidium Alliance: Rest Periods and Repotting

Respecting Growth Cycles for Cymbidium and Oncidium Hybrids

Cymbidium: Post-bloom rest period—reduce water/fertilizer to avoid weak off-cycle growth. Repot in spring when new growth starts. New growth needs heavy feeding.

Oncidium Alliance: Likely root rot from old mix. Repot in fresh fir-bark mix in smaller pot (they like tight fit). Bright light, warm temps (60–85°F). Remove dead pseudobulbs.

Key Principle

Many orchids have distinct growth/rest cycles. Watering, feeding, and repotting must align with active growth—otherwise new growth is weak and root problems develop.