Question
Hi Jim,

My indoor cymbidium is dying. It has four bulbs - two that are completely brown and hollow (I'm sure they're dead), and two that are still green but are starting to dry out. The visible roots are also shriveled up and dry.  I water it once a week but it is possible that I抳e not watering enough?  Also, how can I save the two bulbs that are still alive? Do I need to repot it, if so what are the steps to repot?  

Thanks!
Anh


Answer
Hi Anh,

I believe the problem with your cymbidium is that you are watering it too often.  Growing it indoors does not expose it to very much air movement which then does not cause the potting media to dry enough between waterings.  Also, indoors it probably is not receiving enough sunlight, if the leaves are dark to medium green in color, it needs more sunlight.  

With the condition it is in right now, I'm not sure it can be saved but here are some things you can try.  

Gather fresh potting media, new pot about 1/2 the current pot size.  Unpot it then remove as much of the old media from the roots.  Remove any soft mushy roots as they are dead and rotten.  Remove the two dead bulbs.  Place a little media in the new pot then place the two remaining bulbs in it then add more media around them.  The bottom of the bulbs should be about an inch below the pot rim.  

Place the pot in a warm shady place for 3 to 4 weeks, keep it on the dry side, only watering enough to keep it from becoming totally dry.  Move it to where it will receive at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight, preferably outdoors.  

Cymbidiums are fairly hardy, easily able to withstand temperatures between 35F to 85F and even lower and higher with some assistance from you.  Water it when the potting media becomes almost dry.  Feed it a balance type orchid fertilizer at least once a month.  

Hope this helped.  Good luck.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.