Question
Hello Him,
I have read your question an answer on various occasions.  I have a problem with my cymbidium Orchid.  I have done some research and I have some experience as well as technical knowledge on gardening.  My cymbidium flowered this year and then I cut of the stem and divided it into three plants and put it in a larger pot.  I think the pot was to big because it developed root rot and one by one the leaves began to dry.  Then some of the bulbs started to get soft, so I took those of.  My nice orchid has gotten to the point where it is all gone except for one backbulb with three shoots and no good roots left as well as two other shoots.  I have built a small greenhouse for my desk where I can keep an eye on it.
My question is can I save it, and if so what do I need to do or do i just have to wait and buy a new plant.  I have a different orchid that I repotted and separated into and it is doing just fine.
Oh, I almost forgot, I am just about finished dealing with some brown scale problem.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Hugo,

Golly, you mean people read my responses?  (grin)  

Placing any orchid but especially cymbidium orchids in too large a pot can lead to lots of bad things happening to it.  For most orchids, it is best to use as small a pot that can contain the roots.  

My suggestion on what is left of your cymbidium is to take it out of the pot, check the condition of the remaining backbulb and if it is still firm with no signs of rot, to place it in a ziploc baggie with a little barely moist material then close the bag.  If there are any latent growth eyes on the backbulb, they may sprout into new growths.  Be patient as this can take upwards of 6 or more months to occur.  If new growths do sprout, it can take upwards of 5 years for it to become large enough to bloom.  

As you can see, it will take some time for it to grow so I'd suggest getting another cymbidium to enjoy until it does.  

By the way, if you do buy another one and would like some information on how to care for it, write back.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.