Question

cymbidiums   QUESTION: I have 4 backbulbs in individual 4"pots, that have grown new growth.  Each is 6-8" tall, has roots and is beginning to form bulb at base.  One of the backbulbs is turning yellow/brown.  My question is what do I do now?  Do I transplant them individually or combine them, and do I remove the backbulbs? What would be the best medium to use..they are in a bark/perlite mix now..Thank You, Nancy

ANSWER: Nancy, the backbulbs are needed to support the new growth so don't remove them at this time. The exception to this is if a backbulb is soft-- an indication of rot which could spread to the new growth. Your bark/perlite combination is fine for growing them on. I would transplant them individually to separate pots.

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QUESTION: they are already in separate 4" pots...should I put them in something else now/ or when?  Will they make more bulbs?  Should I start fertilizing them?
the one that is soft...yellowish do I just cut it off at the base?  Thanks again.  Nancy

Answer
Nancy, cymbidiums like to be tightly potted so they are fine in the 4" pots.  Usually, each babckbulb gives rise to a single new growth. Yes, you may start feeding them.  The backbulb that is soft should be removed and the cut end sealed with a fungicidal powder (I use powdered sulphur).  Yes, it should be cut off at the base.  First cut off a piece about 4" above the base.  If you see rot in the cross section, you may remove more until you see green tissue.  That is the ideal.  At the base you may see healthy growth eyes from which new growth could come.  If this is the case, try to spare these and make your final cut at the joint just above these (if you need to cut that far down),