Cymbidiums and Roots
Cymbidiums are beautiful and fun to grow but they are very particular orchids. Below are some basic rules to follow for success in growing Cymbidium orchids.
Cymbidiums are truly happiest outside. They need specific temperatures to grow and bloom and those temperatures must be highs of 85 degrees and lows of 55 degrees. They will not bloom if they get too hot. They will not bloom if they get too cold. So, summer is when they should be out, in a shaded area where they can get lots of indirect light. If it gets over 85 degrees you should move them in on hot days or put them in a cooler place. If you grow Cymbidiums indoors, you may never see a bloom because house temperatures usually stay at a level temperature.
Overwatering is very easy and they will die within a day or two. They like to be damp but not soaking wet. If you do not have air circulation that moves around the top of the planter and underneath the planter, you can easily lose the orchid. I put my orchids on shelves that are open metal shelves like industrial type. These have a wire shelf that has open air that can reach into the holes of the pot underneath. A drainage plate will close all the holes of your orchid pot. Rocks at the bottom of the pot may help but if there is no air circulation, you may have problems.
Try putting your orchid in a smaller pot and remove a good portion of your media. Less media, means it will dry faster. Rocks at the bottom of the pot will help elevate the orchid and let air in. When moving from one pot to a smaller pot, do this as gently as possible because all of our Cymbidiums are in their blooming season and disturbing them will delay or end the bloom this year. Slip potting is carefully removing from one pot with out disturbing the roots and putting it into another pot, so the roots touch the edges or have 1/4 to 1/2 inch clearance from the new pot. Less media is helpful if you are learning about Cymbidium watering.
Lastly, only water when the Cymbidium is barely damp. Some people use popsicle sticks to put down inside and leave it there for five minutes, if it comes out damp, don’t water. I use my finger and wash between plants but I know instantly if I should water. Cymbidiums raised outside in the summer usually need water once every three to four days or once every seven days in cooler areas.
Take care and all the best to your growing experience.
