Question
Hi... I'm new to orchids and I'm in love with Phals (I own one lavender one) and Cyms... So... I was wondering if its possible to propagate Cyms by stem?... Just like a Phal?...

Answer
Hi Mohsen,

No, cymbidiums are propogated by dividing the clump of pseudobulbs or bulbs.  This is done when repotting the cymbidium, breaking off one or more bulbs then putting them in a small pot of their own.  Many cymbidium growers do this by breaking off any bulbs that have no leaves, commonly called backbulbs.  Although the bulb may look dead because it has no green leaves, it really is still alive which you can tell by squeezing and feeling how firm it is.  By the way, if they feel soft or mushy, they are dead and rotten and should be thrown into the trash.  Backbulbs may have dormant growth eyes and when broken off and potted, the eye will begin to grow.  It may take upwards of 6 to 9 months for the eye to begin to grow and another 3 to 5 years for there to be enough green-leaved bulbs for it to produce a spike with flowers.  So if you wish to propogate your cymbidium(s), just be patient.  

Hope this helped.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.