Question
Hello,

I do grow cymbidiums and have for a few years, but I must admit a little haphazardly (i.e. water, fertilizer, soil, etc.)  However, at this juncture, I have inherited 12 5 gal containers of cymbidiums that are huge.  Each plant looks extremely healthy - very tall, full and green (and very crowded).  It is now November, but I would like to divide.  I have lots of room for original plants in partially enclosed patio and also a south facing potting room to keep new divisions.

Would be very appreciative of information on soil mixture (I was going to do very good potting soil, vermiculite and perlite - is this okay?)

How to divide -
Do I use rooting mix
What kind of fertilizer?  How often?


Thank you so much.   

Pat Voss

Answer
Hello Pat,

Wow!  You inherited a bunch of cymbidiums in 5 gal. containers?  That must have been a chore just moving them!  Hope you didn't hurt your back.  

November is not the best time to repot unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere.  Depending upon where you live, I would wait for warmer weather such as late winter or early spring.  But, if you have an enclosed area where you can maintain temperatures above 50, provide some air movement, maintain humidity and fairly good light exposure, you might go ahead and repot them.  

As for potting mix, it would be better to use a more open mixture than potting soil.  If there is a garden center near you that carrys orchid bark, that would be a better choice along with adding 10 to 20% perlite to it.  

Have you divided cymbidiums or other orchids in the past?  If not and you'd like some directions, let me know and I'll give you some hints.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.