Question
Hello Jim Kawasaki.
My mum's "Plush Canyon 'Red Eye'" Cymbidium Orchid has been pulled out from it's pot by my dog. It was pulled out two days ago. Some of it's root have been chewed on. I think it is dying now. It's only a baby orchid. Some of the leaves are going abit dry. I've repotted it and put this seaweed thing on it to keep it moist. Is there anyway I could save it from dying?

From Tram

Answer
Hello Tram,

Sorry to hear about what your dog damaged your mother's cymbidium.  If most of the roots are still in fair condition and the leaves and pseudobulbs are too, there is a very good chance it will survive and live a long life.  

You didn't mention where you live or where your mother is growing it, but here are some general guidelines on where to grow it and how to care for it.

Most cymbidiums need quite a bit of sunlight (leaves are a light to medium green color) to grow and bloom well, the exception are many of the miniature or small cyms which need about 50% shade.  Water when the potting mix becomes barely moist, do not water if still wet or the roots will rot.  Feed it a balance type orchid fertilizer mixed at 1/2 the amount recommended on the container in a gallon water.  There should be some air movement around it.  Temperatures between 50 to 85 F but it can survive temps. down to freezing if kept slightly dry and upwards of 100 F if watered more frequently when hot.  Again, the exception to this are the miniatures which do not like temperatures below 45 F or much above 90 F, they will survive but may sulk for a while and not grow or bloom.  

Hope this helps.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.