Question
Hi!

I've been collecting cymbidium for the least 10 years. I get bloom spikes in some of my cym plants. This year a few of my cym plants in 2 gal pots gave me 5 to 10 spikes. I just wish I would get all of my cym plants to bloom. I have a few questions:
1. A few of my cym grower friends recommended the dry fertilizer called Romeo dry fertilizer. I believe they get it from Half Moon Bay. Any opinion on this?
2. I've acquired a lot of free 1 gal. pots that have been used once. Do you have a cleaning/disinfecting recommendations? Any opinions on Physan 20?
3. Last year I found a place that sells coconut husk chips in Richmond. This year I am trying fir bark. I live in Hayward, Ca...what is the best cym potting mix?
4. Can you please tell me more about the use of Epsom salt? I went to OSH today looking for Epsom salt but dod not find one.
5. I am always on the look out for special cym deals. A couple of months ago, I was able to find a lady who was moving out of state and was selling her 1 gal cyms for 3 for $10. I bought about 6o of them . I've isolated them from my other cyms. I was thinking of spraying them with Physan 20. Any special recommendations.

I am really glad I found this website. I have so many questions...

Thanks!

Alma

Answer
Alma, thanks for your questions.  I will try to address each one in order.

1 &3  I'm not familiar with Romeo dry fertilizer or what might be the best potting mix for cymbidiums. Fir bark, mixed with charcoal and perlite is the traditional mix.  I don't trust coconut chips as they need to be triple rinsed in low mineral content water before use due to their high salt content.  If you purchase some, check on the rinsing with the seller to see if the salts have been thoroughly rinsed out as part of their processing.  When I use coconut chips, I will mix it into the traditional mix because it does provide a longer life to the mix and doesn't break down as fast as fir bark.  Try googling the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate.  They specialize in cymbidiums and grow them in your area.  They could tell you what they use.

2.  I prefer to use a 10 percent dilution of bleach.  A 20 minute soak should kill any virus particles --- which would be the major concern with cymbidiums.

4.  I have been able to find epsom salts at my local pharmacy.  It is used to leach out minerai salts in the potting mix.  It is recommended to use it in the fall and in the spring.  Concentrations used vary.  I recommend a half cup per gallon of water.

5.  Physan 20 is fine as a preventative spray.  If you have any trouble with blck spot on the leaves, I have found that a copper-based fungicide such as kocide can prevent it from developing on new growth.